HOW YOU WERE CALLED TO LIVE

As Christians, we were called to live God's way and Jesus left an example we should follow. Jesus did not give in to the desires of this world, rather He pleased His Father all the way. Then He suffered for us and on our behalf, leaving for us who, through His suffering and death, have come under His grace. Then He left us a copy of how to live, as the benefits of His passion. So we were called to live by the footprint He left.

Reference: 1 Peter 2:21, 23 Complete Jewish Bible (CJB)

'Indeed, this is what you were called to; because the Messiah too suffered, on your behalf, leaving an example so that you should follow in his steps...When he was insulted, he didn’t retaliate with insults; when he suffered, he didn’t threaten, but handed them over to him who judges justly.'

To live God's way, we must follow in the steps of Christ. We must live with a sense of compassion, just as Christ. When Jesus looked at people, 'he was moved with compassion' (Matthew 9:36 KJV). His compassion for mankind is what actually led Him to the cross. With no doubt justified, His sufferings were undeserved, because He did not suffer for His own sins, but for the sins of mankind.

It is very interesting to notice how Peter spoke a great deal about the sufferings of Christ, and His cross. This is because He was an eye witness. In 2nd Peter 1:16 (ESV), Peter wrote, 'For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty.' Peter's ministry and life went on well and his inspiration, conviction, and motivation became more full, as a result of this.

Jesus' encounter on earth was real. There is the Christ's pattern life and the copy is plain. It is not just a pattern designed for us, but also for our gain. I'm not talking about the general principles of Christian ethics, but developing a sense of living, marked by treading in His steps. You don't have to study the Scriptures about Christ to make a 'trial and error' imitation. When you live by His Spirit, you'll will get it photographed on your spirit, and you'll grow with resemblance to Him (see 2 Corinthians 3:18). First, you'll start conquering selfishness and become more concerned about others. That's a Christlike quality.

Second, you'll develop a sense of gratitude, not just for the blessings you receive but also, for everything you encounter. In other words, gratitude expands your vision such that you don't need to force your way in life, come what may, because God is your director. You stop seeing people who have gentle, and calm spirit as 'wimps' or weak-minded people. Look at Jesus. He was no wimp. The second verse of our referenced Scripture (1 Peter 2:23 CJB) says, 'When he was insulted, he didn't retaliate with insults; when he suffered, he didn't threaten, but handed them over to him who judges justly.'

Paul also wrote, 'But we behaved gently when we were among you, like a devoted mother nursing and cherishing her own children (1 Thessalonians 2:7 AMPC). That's a Christlike quality. Jesus wasn't in a hurry; He seldom raised His voice; He took His time, and refused to retaliate, even when insulted and judged wrongly. And the Bible says, 'this is the kind of life you've been invited into' (1 Peter 2:21 MSG). It's known as living Christlike.

Scripture Reading - John 13:15; Romans 8:5-9; Philippians 2:5; 3:10.; 1 Peter 4:1; 1 John 3:16.

Guided Prayer

Heavenly Father, I thank you for positioning me in Christ, a place where I have and maintain constant communion with you. I trust and know that as I dwell in your presence and live for you every moment of the day, your heart for me is revealed in my spirit and every veil is removed to see and reflect your glory. Your Spirit makes me more and more like Christ, as I'm changed into His glorious image. By the same Spirit, I represent Christ clearly in my world, treading in His steps, and I'm influenced to respond to others, in the ways of Christ, in Jesus' Name, Amen!