Don’t Act Like Me
Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children. Ephesians 5:1 (NIV)
Little children, let no one deceive you. Whoever practices righteousness is righteous, as he is righteous. 1 John 3:7 (ESV)
“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” John 15:12 (ESV)
In a recent phone conversation with my friend in Florida, she said something that made me stop and think. “While Jesus was walking this earth, He never once said to act like Him. He wanted His followers to be like Him.”
Anyone can act. People earn prestigious awards for their acting abilities. Many claim to be Christians but a closer look says something else. People can put on a good show and pretend to be anything these days. Discernment helps us see through their drama but what do others see in us? How much playacting are we doing?
Our daily goal must include being more like Jesus. But how do we accomplish this? The first thing we must do is to know Him—not just know about Him. When we only have head knowledge, we begin our acting careers.
Relationship sets a firm foundation for our faith walk. How do we know where we are going without being told or shown? That is what the Bible does for us. Through His Word we are given directions and if we allow, we are given a guide to lead us into eternity. We don’t need to act, but just be.
Do you remember that jewelry with the question, “What would Jesus do?” I am sure that He would never be involved with some of the things going on today. In fact, in these end times, He’s most likely disgusted with what His creation has become. We have caused Him grief with our poor acting and shenanigans.
To truly be like Him, we must spend time, be alert and get to know Him. That all comes through life experiences built on trust. It is very difficult to trust someone that you don’t know.
When we become like Him, we will act like Him and it is a very natural progression. However just acting like Him without the relationship is always going to come to an ugly ending. Friends, people see through our facades rather quickly.
Just be like Him!
Heavenly Father, thank You for our examples of Godly living. Help us to use discernment to see the truth in others. Help us to be more like You. AMEN.