Don't Follow My Example

I have become a servant… to present to you the word of God in its fullness – the mystery that has been kept hidden for… generations, but is now disclosed to all [believers]… God has chosen to make known…the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you... We proclaim Him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom... To this end I labor, struggling with all His energy, which so powerfully works in me.
Colossians 1:25-29 (NIV – abbreviated and emphasis added)

Don’t follow my example.

After my 13 ‘kids’ confirmed their faith, a friend complimented me for leading by example. Oddly, it disturbed me. Part of me appreciated the kind words, but another part said “You’ve missed the point.”

I don’t want to be an example; I want you to see Jesus. I am who I am because Jesus is inside me. What you see is His energy working through me.

My last post encouraged you to follow Jesus’ example. I take it back. Don’t kill yourself trying to meet Jesus’ crazy high standard. It’s unachievable, discouraging, and leads to feelings of guilt.

Let me explain. Even though Jesus himself told the disciples “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you” (John 13:20), in the same conversation He said “apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5).

Let’s not strive on our own, but get Jesus inside of us. The Holy Spirit is the motivating force within us, providing the desire, wisdom, and capacity to be good examples.

May people see Jesus in us!

Apart from Jesus we can do nothing. We just get tired trying to be good people. (tweet this)

Do you work hard at being a good example?
Could you use some help?

#SeedsofScripture #followJesus #discipleship #goodpeople