Imitate and Follow

Women of Faith:
I’ve heard it many times: “don’t do what I do (did), do what I say.”

But in reality, most of us don’t follow spoken instructions (or even written ones) very well. Instead it is easier to watch what someone else is doing and follow their lead.

“And whoever does not take up his cross and follow after me is not worthy of me.” Mt 10: 38

Christ had no scripture written down to follow, but he had the example of the prophets and the leadership of the Jewish teachers. He did what His Father, God, asked, and willed, for Him to do.  

We look to others for leadership and examples to follow. We search for what is successful (by our standards) and then we try to follow and imitate those successes. But are these worldly successes or God’s successes? Are we following THE image of Christ?

And many times we look far away from our own circle. We search for someone who has “clout” or that we think are rich and famous so that we might imitate them and make them our example.

“And he said, “Amen, I say to you, no prophet is accepted in his own native place.” Lk 4:24

So who are we overlooking? What examples of kind, compassionate and courageous are right in our midst? Who has God placed in our path to teach us holiness? (And who are we teaching by our own example?)

Do you know of someone who is suffering from a long term illness or has a family member who is chronically ill? Do you know of someone who has recently lost a loved one thru illness or accident? Do you know of someone who is unable to find a job, suffers from mental illness or addiction?

Their suffering, and those who help them and care for them, might be the living examples that we are supposed to be following, and that we are supposed to model.

Are we overlooking Christ in our midst? Are we overlooking an answer to a problem because it is too close to us? What examples of kind, courageous and holy are right in front of us? Who has God placed in our path to teach us holiness? (And are we being an appropriate example to others?)

"Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will preserve it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there also will my servant be. The Father will honor whoever serves me.” Jn 12: 25-26

Heavenly Father, In your honor and glory may I follow you always. Thank you for giving us Your son to be our leader and living example of service to others. Help me to pay attention to the examples you set so closely in front of me and to be courageous enough to imitate Your actions. Change me to always be ready follow YOU as your servant! Amen.

God’s will, and Christ’s example, may not provide the easiest answers, nor produce the fastest results, or even be the most popular answer. But He is always near and ready to guide us by His presence. May we always be ready to do the same “unto others” as he did for us.

Let us follow Him!
Blessings,
Charlotte