Following the Example of Jesus

I have been struck lately and convicted with how self-centered I am and how Jesus' example to us was that of self-sacrifice.

I am continually fighting my flesh... my biggest battle is with me! I want to do what I want! Yes, I want God's will for my life because I know his way is the best but I have to keep reminding myself of it. My sinful heart has a hard time accepting the fact the my life is no longer my own.

I somehow think that I deserve to get what I want; that my happiness depends on doing and getting what I want.

When in truth it is only by giving up what I want that I get to experience a true, fulfilling relationship with Christ. He gives me what I don't deserve and what I could never ever sacrifice enough for: his grace, his love, his peace, his joy,  and his forgiveness(not to mention eternity with him.)
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I  desire to know God and to know his word more every day, but most days I have a hard time really walking it out; following Jesus' example as he walked here on earth.

 Its one thing to know that we are supposed to love our enemies its another to really do it! He was falsely accused and treated wrongly, yet he did not retaliate.

I see Jesus bending down washing his disciples feet, serving the one who would betray him but I don't know if I can do that!

He was tempted yet resisted even when he was at his weakest and most vulnerable.

He loved the unlovely and showed compassion to the poor and the sick without always receiving praise or thanks.

He gave of his time and his heart to share the truth with those who were confused and lost.

He may have become frustrated and amazed at his disciples and others lack of faith but he continued to encourage them to believe and put their trust in him.

 Even though his time and ministry was in constant demand, he took time out of his day to get away and spend time in His father's presence.

He spoke the truth even when it was unpopular and unaccepted.

He didn't have to go to the cross...but he did.

Why? Why did he live the way he did?

Because he loved us!

I have been challenged to ask myself, " Do I love him enough to follow his example and live as he lived?

How close am I willing to walk with him?

I know there is no way I can humanly imitate him on my own( he was perfect) but I know that if I put my self in his hands and commit my life to him he will work in me what I can't, and walk with me on this journey of dying to myself. He will pick me up when I stumble and carry me when I fall.

He is still alive and living and walking here on earth with us and through us if we allow him!

"Whoever says " I know him" but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him: whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked." 1 John 2: 4-6


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