Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Imitate God as Dear Children


Desktop Nexus: Wallpapers Nature Wallpapers > Beaches Wallpaper

1 Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma. (Ephesians 5:1-2)

One day on the job someone I never met before came in to work on the phones. I was showing him around and discussing the situation, but our conversation was business related only. Then out of nowhere he asked the question “are you a Christian?” I replied “yes I am.” He said, “I could tell.” This individual was not a Christian, but he was seeking and this opened up the door for a wonderful witnessing encounter. This sure did make me day.

I do not write this to receive amen’s and that-a-boy’s because many more times I have not looked like Jesus at all. (Not only that, any good within me is because of God, and He gets all the glory). One such occasion  my boss said something I did not like and I behaved in a very un-Christian like manner. What she said was nothing to get excited about, I just did not like the way she said it, as a result, I went off like a rocket for everyone to see. What an embarrassing example that was.

One thing we must all remember, someone is always watching us. There is an old saying “I may be the only Bible someone else reads.” While we will always fall short of the glory of God, when the unbelievers see Christians behaving in the same way as everyone else, they question “Who is this Jesus?” When they see us believers committing adultery, cursing, getting drunk, anger problems and on and on…they think “Why come to Jesus? What will He do for me?”

I truly believe, when we fall in love with God with all our heart, the more Christ like we become. The more Christ like we become, the more we will live an abundant life serving the Lord. The way we behave will affect many people beyond us, for the better or worse.  Let us have the love and concern for other people that we humble ourselves and let God mold us into the image of His Son, so we may be a light in this dark world.

Some questions to ask of ourselves:

Does my speech testify that I love Jesus, or not?

Does my character testify that I love Jesus, or not?

Am I more concerned about my (fill in the blank), or Jesus?

21 comments:

  1. This is great. I often think about this. I am always asking myself if how I am acting resembles God at all. I used to have a huge anger problem. I sometimes get too angry. But I can say that since I have gotten closer to God, my anger has significantly decreased. Even recently, I have noticed that when something happens that gets me really angry, I just bite my lip. Because I automatically think that I don't want to upset God by cussing or throwing anything. And I definitely don't want to create the wrong impression to those around me.

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  2. Thank you Ken, I really appreciate your sharing this. I am encouraged. especially as I have made so many mistakes similar to the one you described and I do need to be more careful.Like you said, someone is always watching and I just hope I haven't put anyone off from coming to the Lord. Thank you again for the reminder and encouragement. God bless.

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  3. I think a lot of men have a problem publicly following Jesus because they have erroneously got it in their noggins that being a Christian means being a wimp.

    This tells me they have not read much of the bible, especially the NT.

    What a H of a man He was /is!

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  4. Hi Ken, firstly your picture is so beautiful...so serene it takes ones mind off everything except the creation and how wonderous it is.
    You are so right in saying we never know who is watching..It is also a surprise when asked, "Are you a Christian?" but it is also pleasing to be a follower and recognised as such. People know we can be a confident in times of trouble and a listening ear! They know where to come, and it is so important to show His love. Hugs brother.

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  5. Well, I feel better now: I am not the only one who slips up! Yet, I have had times when I was at the "right place at the right time" like that. God bless you, Ken.

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  6. Hi Ken; dropped by to visit your blog today, and I am so glad I did! :) A subject well posted, because God's own people should never forget they they are being watched. It is however a challenge that I am sure most of us are tempted by, but we must remember that if others don't see love, respect, and humility in us then they won't think much of our salvation.
    Great post!
    Denise

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  7. Your words are very truth-filled, and serve as a reminder that we are being watched. I have made those same mistakes also, and although we can't go back and change them, we can always learn from them and strive to do better.

    I haven't seen that picture in years..I liked it so much that I bought myself the card it was on, and adressed it to myself and everything :)

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  8. Great, great post, Ken! Someone is always watching, and too often, I wonder what they see in me. Is Jesus shining or is it just Lisa? I have seen Jesus in strangers before. I pray they see Him in me.

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  9. Hi Ken,
    This is a really cool testimony!
    It shows me that others do notice a difference in one living for Christ and it shows growth, and love towards wanting to please our Father.
    There have been many times when I think to myself, wow how can anyone know I am a Christian when I act like this? Then I am reminded that this all about learning and growing and I thank God time and time again for forgiveness and more chances to show my love for Him to others.

    You are so right in saying someone is always watching. I wonder how much angels learn and are strengthened from watching us as we live and are obedient to our Father. I wonder...

    Blessings,
    <><

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  10. Thanks for the reminder Ken! We don't have to shove Jesus down others throats if we just live walk our path with Him for them to see they will want what we have!

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  11. Thank you Fallon, Vilisi, Clint, Crystal Mary, Karen, Denise, Never Forsaken, Lisa, Child of God and Allison for visiting and leaving your comments. I was truly blessed reading each of your comments. God is good and praise Him for working in us and molding us into the image of His Son and He does not give up on us when we blow it.
    May God bless each of you,
    Ken

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  12. Wonderful post, Ken! You are absolutely correct. As I grow in Christ, I also notice a lot quicker when the Holy Spirit is correcting me for NOT behaving as I should as one of God's kids. I pray that I will always be a good witness.

    Kind of related-- I have a Christian bumpersticker on my car, and it sure does help me keep my road rage in check! :)

    Also, I posted this to my twitter. It was too good not to share.

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  13. Thank you for your post! May we keep leaning into the Lord, being guided by the Holy Spirit and watch our actions and words.

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  14. Thank you Emily for sharing my post on your twitter account and your kind comment. That road rage thing can be a tough one at times, can't it.

    Thank you Sara for your comment and yes, may we all be guided by the Holy Spirit.

    I appreciate your comments and may God bless the both of you.
    Ken

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  15. People watch a believers walk all the time. Post reminds me of how important it is to let our lights shine before men. Be Blessed!

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  16. Thanks Ken for sharing these truthful words. Blessings.

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  17. Thank you Shapour, John and JBR for your visits and comments, I appreciate them very much and God bless,
    Ken

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  18. This blog is very timely for me as I have challenged myself with my comfortable, yet reactive behavior with my family recently. The Lord has been convicting me of the power of words. Your application questions are timely and challenging. Thanks.

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  19. You are welcome Brenda and thank you for stopping by and leaving your comment. I am glad used my post to speak to you.
    God bless,
    Ken

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  20. Very good post Ken. It reminds me of John Piper's quote, "God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him."

    As we know and fall in love with God more and more, we want to live in a manner which honors and glorifies Him, even down to the thoughts and intentions of our hearts.

    Blessings in Christ...Susan

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  21. Hi Ken -

    I much enjoyed this piece. It deeply ministered to me and reminded that our Christ likeness does indeed bear fruit for His awesome glory.

    Thank you so much, Ken, for sharing this.

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