YOU ALSO BECAME IMITATORS OF
US AND OF THE LORD: Kai humeis mimetai hemon
egenethete (2PAPI) kai tou kuriou: (Col 2:14; 1Co 4:16;
11:1; 2Co 8:5; Php 3:17; 2Th 3:9) (Mt 16:24; Jn 8:12; 13:13, 14, 15;
Ep 5:1; 1Pe 3:13; 3Jn 1:11)
You
is emphatic (first in the Greek sentence)
marking the change of subject from
the writers to the readers. Paul does not begin with the readers'
personal acceptance of the gospel, but with the external manifestation
demonstrating that reception.
Became
(1096)
(ginomai) means to come into existence and the
aorist tense indicates a completed action in the past, specifically at
the time of their new birth into God's family. A definite, observable
change became evident in the Thessalonian's lives. Their conversion
had taken place at a point in time and that conversion was not a
gradual process but an act (1Th 1:9, 10-note
where turned is also
aorist tense
indicating at a point in time they took a definite turn not
just "for the better" but "for the best!".)
Robertson
comments that...
Paul uses ginomai, to become, not
eimi, to be. It is a daring thing to expect people to imitate
the preacher, but Paul adds and of the Lord for he only expected or
desired imitation as he himself imitated the Lord Jesus, as he
expressly says in 1Cor 11:1 (1Co 4:6). The peril of it all is that people so easily
and so readily imitate the preacher when he does not imitate the Lord. The
fact of the "election" of the Thessalonians was shown by the character of
the message given them and by this sincere acceptance of it (Lightfoot).
Moulton
has this note on the
aorist tense
writing that...
The point or aorist tense "being
a momentary tense" describes an event as a single whole, without
regarding the time taken in its accomplishment. The present and
imperfect are continuous tenses, i.e., they contemplate action as in
progress, noting "the time taken in accomplishment" (J. H. Moulton,
Grammar of New Testament Greek, Proleg. pp. 187, 190).
Hiebert sums this
section up
The way the Thessalonians responded to the Gospel constituted the other side
of the evidence that assured Paul they were God's elect. In setting forth
that evidence (their transformed lives), Paul notes the external manifestation demonstrating their
reception of the Gospel (1Th 1:6a), indicates the experiences accompanying that
reception (1Th 1:6b), and informs the readers of the widespread result (1Th
1:7)."
(Hiebert,
D. Edmond: 1 & 2 Thessalonians)
Imitators
(3402)
(mimetes) means one who
follows.
Mimetes basically
means to copy or imitate someone's behavior and has many related words in
English - "mime" (one who acts out an imitation of another person or
animal), "pantomime" (a theater production which originally was without
words), "mimeograph" (a machine which makes many copies from one stencil).
Webster says
that to imitate means to follow as a pattern, model, or example;
to be or appear like. The 1828 Websters even says in the definition
of imitate that...
We should seek the best models to
imitate, and in morals and piety, it is our duty to imitate the example of
our Savior. (Reference)
Writing to the
saints at Corinth Paul said...
I exhort you therefore, be imitators
of me. (1Cor 4:16)
Be
(present
imperative)
imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ. (1Cor 11:1)
Similarly Paul
commanded the predominantly Gentile believers in Ephesus to...
Be
(present
imperative)
imitators of God, as beloved children (Ephesians 5:1-note)
The writer of
Hebrews exhorted his predominantly Jewish audience...
that you may not be sluggish, but
imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
(Ro 6:12-note)
In ancient Greek
mimetes referred to imitation. Aristotle used the word to describe how
people imitated animals, postulating that at the beginning of civilization
men learned from animals, e.g., weaving and spinning from spiders, and
house-building from swallows! (This reminds me of Paul's statement in Romans
1 where
even though they knew God, they did not
honor Him as God, or give thanks; but they became futile in their
speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing to be wise,
they became fools and exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an
image in the form of corruptible man and of birds and four-footed animals
and crawling creatures. (Ro 1:21, 22, 23)
W. Bauder writes
that...
Very early on (in Democritus of the
pre-Socratics) the words were used to express ethical demands made on men.
One should take as one's model the boldness of a hero, or one should imitate
the good example of one's teacher or parents... The Rabbis were the first to
speak of imitation of God in the sense of developing the image of God in
men. In the Pseudepigrapha in addition to the exhortation to imitate men of
outstanding character (Test. Ben. 3:1; 4:1) one can also find the thought of
the imitation of God (i.e. keeping his commands, Test. Ash. 4:3) and of
particular characteristics of God (Aristeas 188, 210, 280 f.). (Brown,
Colin, Editor. New International Dictionary of NT Theology. 1986. Zondervan)
Teachers based their
whole educational procedure on imitation, as students imitated the behavior
of teachers. Slowly the idea developed that people should imitate the gods,
and Plato emphasized this.
The basic meaning of
mimetes is seen in a mime. An English woman went to France to study
under the famous mime artist, Marcel Marceau. All day he taught his students
how to make the movements of mime, and each evening they went to see him
perform. Their performances were marked indelibly by the style of the
master. This is an excellent picture of a Christian who imitates the Lord by
exposure to Him.
A person who
mimes acts a part with mimic gesture and action, usually
without words. Let your actions speak louder than your words and then
you will have a platform to proclaim the word of truth, the gospel.
As believers in their message the Thessalonians began to pattern their lives
after the example set by the missionaries. This fact rejoiced the heart of
Paul as it was open evidence of the reality of the Thessalonian believers'
conversion and therefore of their divine election. The Thessalonians
had become third generation mimics of Christ. Christ is the first; Paul is
the second; and the Thessalonians are the third. The Thessalonian believers
imitated the Lord and Paul (Silvanus, Timothy) in that they responded to the
gospel in spite of affliction. Note that Paul did not write what
reportedly was said by one pastor "Do as I say; not as I do." Unfortunately
this saying has characterized numerous preachers, many of whom have
reputations as great teachers of God's Word. However, when their lives are
measured by the Bible's qualifications for communication and character, such
ministers come up woefully short. Make sure you mime the right model!
As an African chief
once said:
A good example is the tallest kind of
preaching.
Jonathan Edwards
was so concerned about the example which he set which others
might imitate, that he
framed the resolve to
never to do anything which I would be
afraid to do if it were the last hour of my life.
Here is a secular
quote that has more truth in it then we would like to believe (think of
"spiritual children")...
Children have never been very good at
listening to their elders, but they have never failed to imitate them. They
must, they have no other models. (James Baldwin)
Here's another quote
worth pondering in this area of imitation...
We unconsciously imitate what pleases us
and approximate to the characters we most admire. Christian Nestell Bovee
In his preface to
the writings of Shakespeare, Samuel Johnson wrote that
Example is always more efficacious than
precept.
Dr. Merrill
Tenney once said that...
The best advertisement for your church is
not a large notice board, but rather the example that is set when the town
drunk becomes a Christian and lives a godly life.
Charles Spurgeon
once said that...
A Christian should be a striking likeness
of Jesus Christ...We should be pictures of Christ....Oh! My brethren, there
is nothing that can so advantage you, nothing can so prosper you, so assist
you, so make you walk towards heaven rapidly, so keep your head upwards
towards the sky, and your eyes radiant with glory, like the imitation
of Jesus Christ.
As shown in the uses
of mimetes below Scripture always uses this word in a positive sense.
Richards
writes that mimetes
is a call to reproduce in our own way of
life (Ed: NOT by self effort but Spirit power, daily learning to
yield our rights to Him, allowing Him to control us as we abide in the Vine
Christ Jesus) those godly qualities that result from salvation and that we see in
others. The idea is intimately linked with the thought that teachers and
leaders ought to be clear, living examples of the practical implications of
commitment to Jesus. (Richards,
L O: Expository Dictionary of Bible Words: Regency)
Mimetes is
found 6 times in the NAS (1 Corinthians
2x;
Ephesians;
1 Thessalonians
2x;
Hebrews)
and always translated imitators (KJV has "followers")
I (Paul) exhort you (Corinthians)
therefore, be imitators of me. (1Cor 4:16)
Be imitators of me (Corinthians
are urged to imitate the self-sacrificing example of Paul and Christ), just
as I also am of Christ. (1 Cor 11:1)
Therefore be imitators of God, as
beloved children (see note
Ephesians
5:1) and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you,
and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant
aroma. (Ephesians
5:2) (Comment:
Just as God forgave us so we should forgive others
Ephesians 4:32 [note])
For you, brethren, became imitators
of the churches of God in Christ Jesus that are in Judea (the problems of
the believers at Thessalonica among their fellow Gentiles were similar to
those of the believers in Judea who were persecuted by Jews), for you also
endured the same sufferings at the hands of your own countrymen, even as
they did from the Jews (1Thes 2:14)
And we desire that each one of you show
the same diligence so as to realize the full assurance of hope until the
end, that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through
faith and patience inherit the promises (Be diligent just as OT saints like
Abraham were, knowing that what has been promised will be fulfilled).
(Hebrews 6:11-12) (By the way, this verse provides ample reason for saints
today to read biographies of saints of yesteryear.)
Robert Morgan
has an illustration entitled "It Stirs Me Up Much"...
Jim Elliot, who gave
his life while trying to reach the Auca Indians, was largely shaped through
the reading of Christian biography.
I see the value of
Christian biography tonight, he wrote in his journal, 'as I have been
reading Brainerd's Diary much today. It stirs me up much to pray and wonder
at my nonchalance
while I have not power from God. I have considered Heb 13:7
(note) just now,
regarding the remembrance of certain ones who spake the word of God,
'consider the outcome of their life, and imitate their faith'.
I recall now the
challenge of
Goforth's Life
and By My Spirit, read in the summer
of 1947, the encouragement of
Hudson Taylor's Spiritual Secret,
and The Growth of a Soul. There are incidents which instruct me now from the
reading of J. G. Paton's biography, read last winter. And now this fresh
Spirit-quickened history of Brainerd. O Lord, let me be granted grace to
'imitate their faith.'
It has since been
through the reading of Elliot's journals that scores of young people have
given their lives to the service of the Gospel. (Morgan,
R. J. Nelson's Complete Book of Stories, Illustrations, and Quotes: Thomas
Nelson Publishers)
(I highly recommend reading
Hudson Taylor's "Spiritual Secret" which can be downloaded free at
CCEL)
Imitators
is perfectly illustrated by this section of Scripture for the
Thessalonians followed the apostles' example especially by gladly
enduring persecution (with joy) for the Gospel's sake and also (1Th 1:8) by
sounding forth
the gospel with others.
Hiebert adds that
Paul's description
of the converts as mimitae (from which we get our English word mimic)
does not imply that their conversion was artificial or insincere. It does
not have the belittling connotation of our English derivative. It was no
superficial or slavish copying of merely external resemblances. As De
Boer well remarks,
It was an imitation in the deep and basic sense of the word; it was a
bringing to expression in their own lives of what they had seen and detected
outside of themselves. It was a capturing of something they had witnessed
around them and making it a part of themselves.
Clearly
their conversion went beyond mere verbal profession. They actively began to
express in their own lives the characteristics of this new life as they
observed it in the lives of the missionaries. It was an imitation perfectly
consistent with the development of their own selfhood within this new life.
Such imitation demands moral effort (cp Ezek 36:27 where the first half
speaks of the provision of divine power and the second half the necessity of
personal responsibility). (Hiebert,
D. Edmond: 1 & 2 Thessalonians)
The Thessalonians
became imitators of us and of the Lord
Hiebert explains that
The order may at first strike us as startling, but it is the logical order.
It is the natural order in the experience of converts on a new mission
field. Even before the message of a missionary is fully understood or
personally accepted, the hearers will observe the outworking of that message
in the life of the missionary. And when the Spirit leads them to a personal
acceptance of the message, the new converts naturally look to the missionary
to learn how to live the Christian life. To reflect their message in their
own lives is part of the work of missionaries." (Hiebert,
D. Edmond: 1 & 2 Thessalonians)
Paul exhorted the Corinthians to
Be imitators of me (pattern
yourselves after me), just as I also am of Christ." (1Cor 11:1)
and the Ephesians to
"be imitators of God, as beloved children."
(Eph 5:1)
Like
Father, like Son so to speak.
MacDonald agrees with Hiebert writing
One would have expected him to say
"of the Lord and of us," mentioning
the Lord first. But
here he is giving the order of their experience. Their first
introduction to the Lord Jesus was in the life of the apostle. It is
sobering to think that people are supposed to be able to see Christ in
us. We should be able to say with Paul, "Imitate me, just as I also
imitate Christ" (1 Cor. 11:1). (MacDonald
and Farstad,
A.
Believer's Bible Commentary : Old
and New Testaments. Nashville: Thomas Nelson)
Pulpit Commentary
says that
Christ
not only died as a Sacrifice, but lived as an Example. He is
the great Example Whom we must imitate, the Pattern of the new
creation, the Original of which all believers are copies. Especially
we must imitate Him in His patient endurance of suffering. The cross
is ever the Christian's motto."
Later explaining how the
word of God
was performing its work in the believers at Thessalonica wrote that
you
(Thessalonian believers), brethren, became imitators of the
churches of God in (intimate union with the living) Christ
Jesus that are in Judea, for you also endured
the same sufferings at the hands of your own countrymen, even as they
did from the Jews
(1Thes 2:14)
As F B Meyer once wrote...
Children mostly resemble their
father. There is often an unmistakable family likeness, which compels
the most casual observer to exclaim, "The very image of his father."
Oh that in each of us there might be that which would make men think
of God! (Our Daily Homily)
HAVING RECEIVED THE WORD IN
MUCH TRIBULATION: dexamenoi (AMPMPN) ton logon en thlipsei polle:
(Col 2:13,14; 3:2,3,4; Ho
2:14; Mk 10:29,30; Ac 17:5; 2Co 8:1,2; 2Th 1:4)
when you accepted the word amid much tribulation, with joy
inspired by the Holy Spirit (WBC)
having welcomed the
Word while under much pressure of affliction (Wuest),
because
you welcomed our message
(Williams)
Having
received
(1209) (dechomai)
means to to receive something
offered or transmitted by another (Luke 2:28). To take something into
one's hand and so to grasp (Luke 22:17). To be receptive to someone
(Mt 10:14, 40). To take a favorable attitude toward something (Mt
11:14).
Dechomai
means to
accept deliberately, readily and kindly. The picture is of one
"putting out the welcome mat" for God's word of truth as one would a
good friend or a guest, inviting entry into one's house
(Luke
10:8,10; Heb 11:31).
This verb indicates
that the reception was a voluntary and willing act on the
Thessalonians' part.
The
aorist tense
points to a definite act of reception on the readers' part. The
middle voice
is reflexive (subject initiates action and participates in
effect/result) indicating that the Thessalonians took to themselves
the word presented or brought by another.
Paul emphasizes their ready
reception again in the next chapter writing that they had
received
from (Paul, et al) the word of God's message, (they)
accepted (dechomai) it
not as the word of
men, but for what it really is, the word of God, which also performs
its work in (those) who believe. (1Thes
2:13-note)
In Acts Luke writes that
when the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had
received (dechomai)
the word
of God, they sent them Peter and John." (Acts
8:14)
In the preceding verse Luke uses the receiving of the word as virtually synonymous with salvation
(cf Acts11:1).
This ready reception of the word is not however devoid of
discrimination, as exemplified by the Berean's who
were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they
received
(dechomai)
the word with great eagerness (with readiness of mind),
examining (present
tense = continually sifting up and down, making
careful and exact research as in legal processes) the Scriptures
daily, to see whether these things (spoken by Paul) were so.
Many of them therefore believed..." (Acts
17:11)
Unfortunately not all exhibit this receptive
attitude toward God's truth, Paul writing in his second epistle that
there would be those during the reign of the man of lawlessness
(Antichrist of 1John 2:18, abomination of desolation of Mt 24:15, the
little horn of
Daniel 7,
the beast of
Rev13)
would
not
receive (dechomai) the love of the truth so as to be saved. And for this reason God
will send upon them a deluding influence so that they might believe
what is
false." (2Th
2:10 11).
Note carefully the order here -- their choice to not receive truth
reaped the consequence of being given over to believe the lie.
Tribulation
(2347)
(thlipsis
[word study]
from thlibo = to crush, press,
compress or squeeze, in turn from thlao = to break > Latin "tribulum"
= farming instrument to thresh grain, separating wheat from chaff!)
carries the idea of being squeezed or placed under pressure and thus
refers to intense pressure, hard circumstances, suffering or trouble
that inflicts anguish, distress, oppression and affliction.
Vincent
writes that thlipsis is from
thlibo, to press or squeeze.
Tribulation is perhaps as accurate a rendering as is possible, being
derived from tribulum, the threshing-roller of the Romans. In both the
idea of pressure is dominant, though thlipsis does not convey the idea
of separation (as of corn from husk) which is implied in tribulatio.
Trench cites, in illustration of thlipsis, pressure, the provision of
the old English law, by which those who wilfully refused to plead had
heavy weights placed on their breasts, and so were pressed and crushed
to death.
Thlipsis refers not to mild
discomfort but to great difficulty (and notice that it is modified by
"much"!) In Scripture thlipsis is perhaps most often
used of outward difficulties, but it is also used of emotional
stress.
MacArthur writes that these
new believers in Thessalonica
experienced severe persecution, but the genuineness of their salvation
transcended that affliction so that they never lost their
joy.
In his second epistle Paul commends them "for (their)
perseverance and faith in the midst of all (their)
persecutions and
afflictions
(thlipsis) which (they) endured." (2Th 1:4)
Tribulation
is the normal lot of Christians and is a fact taken repeatedly
emphasized in the NT. Jesus' last words to His disciples before
leaving the upper room were
These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may (continually)
have peace. In the world you (continually) have
tribulation (thlipsis), but
take courage (be
undaunted, of good cheer); I have overcome the
world." (John
16:33)
Paul and Barnabas forewarned the churches of Galatia that it is
through many
tribulations
that we must enter into the kingdom of God. (Acts
14:22)
The
tribulations began almost immediately for the Thessalonians, Luke
recording that Paul and Silas
came
to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. And
according to Paul's custom, he went to them, and for three Sabbaths
reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and giving evidence
that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and
saying, "This Jesus whom I am proclaiming to you is the
Christ." And some of them were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas,
along with a great multitude of the God-fearing Greeks and a number of
the leading women. But the Jews, becoming jealous and taking along
some wicked men from the market place, formed a mob and set the city
in an uproar; and coming upon the house of Jason, they were seeking to
bring them out to the people. (Acts
17:1-5)
WITH THE JOY OF THE HOLY
SPIRIT: meta charas pneumatos hagiou: (Jn
14:16, 17, 18; Ac 5:41; 9:31; 13:52; Ro 5:3, 4, 5; 8:16-18; 15:13; Gal
5:22; Heb 10:34; 1Peter 1:6,8)
(Torrey's topics
Holy Spirit, the Comforter, The;
Joy)
with joy inspired by the Holy Spirit (WBC)
which [act of
welcoming] was accompanied by joy that had its source in the Holy
Spirit (Wuest)
Joy of the
Holy Spirit
means the joy inspired by the Holy Spirit, one element of the fruit of
the Spirit (Gal 5:22-note).
Receiving the Word is receiving Christ, receiving Christ is receiving
the Holy Spirit, and He brings joy and gladness.
No other explanation for their deep
joy under the circumstances was possible. A joy arising out of a
spurious religious excitement will fail under such circumstances.
Writing to Rome Paul urged
believers to keep their priorities in perspective...
the kingdom of God (The
sphere of salvation where God is
acknowledged as King and so rules in the hearts of those He has saved
- this Kingdom is only entered by a small gate Mt 7:13, 14-note,
a narrow door Lk 13:24-note
- but praise God it is entered by grace through faith Ep 2:8, 9-note)
is not eating and drinking (Non-essentials and external observances
are not the goal of subjects of the Kingdom of God), but righteousness
(right living before God and before man - made possible only by
dependence on the indwelling, enabling Holy Spirit and strengthening,
transforming grace) and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. (an
abiding attitude of praise and thanksgiving regardless of
circumstances, which flows from one's confidence in God's sovereignty)
(Ro 14:17-note)
William
MacDonald calls us to...
Notice that they received the word
with affliction and joy. This is how they had imitated
the Lord and the apostles. Externally there was affliction;
internally there was joy. It is an unusual combination! For the
man of the world, it is impossible to experience joy and affliction
simultaneously; to him, sorrow is the opposite of joy. The Christian
has a joy of the Holy Spirit that is independent of
circumstances; to him, the opposite of joy is sin. The affliction they
endured was the persecution which followed their conversion. (MacDonald,
W, & Farstad,
A.
Believer's Bible Commentary : Old
and New Testaments. Nashville: Thomas Nelson)
Hiebert adds that
The depth of a disciple's joy in
the Lord may well be measured by the degree of his participation in
the sufferings of the Lord. it is still true that those who pay a
great price in suffering to remain true to Christ know a deep measure
of this Spirit‑wrought joy in their lives. Perhaps our Christian lives
are so lacking in this joy because our Christian profession costs us
so little." (Hiebert,
D. Edmond: 1 & 2 Thessalonians)
George Peters adds these
words in his excellent description of a disciple explaining
that...
A Christian disciple is more than a
believer. A disciple is more than a learner, at least, a learner in
the ordinary sense of the word. A disciple is more than a follower and
imitator of Christ, more than a holy enthusiast for Christ, yea even
more than living a life of full devotion to the Lord. A disciple is a
believing person living a life of conscious and constant
identification with the Lord in life, death, and resurrection through
words, behavior, attitudes, motives, and purpose, fully realizing
Christ's absolute ownership of his life, joyfully embracing the Saviorhood of Christ, delighting in the Lordship of Christ and living
by the abiding, indwelling resources of Christ according to the
imprinted pattern and purpose of Christ for the chief end of
glorifying his Lord and Savior. There is divine fullness and content
in the concept of discipleship which we must not limit. Larson,
referring to a study by A. Friedrichsen, points out the fact that the
expression cross-bearing was a contemporary metaphor indicating
"radical social isolation and humiliation."
The call to Christian discipleship
must always be interpreted to involve a call to humble fellowship,
constant fellowship, sanctified openmindedness, undisputed obedience,
ready submission, heroic faith, arduous labor, unselfish service,
self-renunciation, patient suffering, painful sacrifice, and
cross-bearing. It is the bringing of all of life under the Lordship of
Christ. This is not only the purpose of salvation, but this is the
fullness of salvation—redemption from self and devotion to the Lord.
And to this every Christian is called.
Too often, however, Christian
discipleship has been detached from the everyday life of every
believer and thought of in terms of the great, the heroic, and a
peculiar sense of saintliness is being attached to it, instead of
being lived out daily in the ordinary affairs of life and
relationships. (Peters, George: The Call of God. Bibliotheca Sacra:
Volume 120, Issue 480, page 328, 1963. Dallas TX: Dallas Theological
Seminary)
><> ><> ><>
The Joy of Waiting - Nine months can seem like forever for
a mother-to-be. In the first trimester, hormonal changes sometimes
cause lingering morning sickness. Emotions rise to the surface,
prolonging afternoon blues. Then a changing appetite stretches out
evening hours with late-night cravings for pizza, chocolate, and dill
pickles.
During the next 3 months, Mom outgrows her clothes and spends long
hours looking for a new wardrobe. The last trimester turns normal
activity into a chore as the final watch begins.
Then, suddenly the endless waiting is over. Nine months become like
yesterday's newspaper. They are gone. They become insignificant, a
faint memory—overcome by joy. Ask the new mom if she regrets enduring
her pregnancy. Never!
Hannah's wait began even more slowly. For years she was unable to have
a child. She felt so unfulfilled, so dishonored (1 Samuel 1). But the
Lord remembered her, and she conceived. Her joy was complete.
Hannah waited patiently and saw the Lord turn her sorrow into
overflowing joy. Her song (2:1-10) is a reminder that disappointment
and the most bitter distress can lead to fulfillment and delight. For
those who wait on the Lord, long hours of enduring will one day give
way to rejoicing. —Mart De Haan
(Our
Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. Reprinted by
permission. All rights reserved)
Let patience have
her perfect work;
Let God refine your gold;
For in His time He'll show you why,
And blessings great unfold. —Bosch
God's gift of joy is worth the wait.
><> ><> ><>
More Than Good Advice - A few years ago, I was invited to
speak on the subject of guidance. In my preparation, I opened my
concordance to look up the word guidance, expecting to find a long
list of verses promising guidance from God. To my surprise, guidance
wasn't there. Instead, I found the word guide and a number of verses
promising that God Himself would be the guide of His people.
This discovery added fresh insight to my Christian pilgrimage. I was
reminded that people who are blind need guide dogs, not guidance dogs!
Even if dogs were capable of talking, how unsatisfactory it would be
if they were mere bystanders, shouting warnings to the blind from a
distance: "Careful now! You're approaching a hole. Watch out for the
curb!" No, these mute but faithful creatures escort their sightless
companions every step of the way, being their eyes and steering them
safely along precarious pathways.
Some people want God to be like a glorified advice bureau. But when
our sight is dim and our way is dark, as it often is, we need more
than good advice—we need the Good Shepherd to lead us (John 10:3,11).
As we follow Christ each day, we'll have all the guidance we'll ever
need.—Joanie Yoder
(Our
Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. Reprinted by
permission. All rights reserved)
Though guidance
is our need each day
We need not search to find our way;
We only need a faithful Guide
And strive to stay close by His side. —D. De Haan
Looking for guidance?
Follow Christ, your Guide.
><> ><> ><>
Imitators
of Christ - A respected author on Christian ethics. E. Calvin
Beisner, said that when he was younger he greatly admired a very
intelligent and articulate theology teacher for whom he worked. He
imitated the older man's "study habits, manners of speech, and writing
style."
Beisner said, "And while I now
recognize that some of that imitation was juvenile, I am convinced
that I grew because of it."
Having a godly role model can be very helpful, especially for
Christians who are young in the faith. The trouble with all human
models, however, is that they have flaws and sooner or later will
disappoint us. Beisner experienced this. He gradually became aware
that this teacher treated his assistants shabbily and showed little
appreciation for their abilities. He tended to magnify his own
accomplishments, even tot he point of stretching the truth.
How can we avoid being disillusioned by the spiritual examples we
admire? The secret is to imitate them but not idolize them. Paul saw
himself as a copy to be followed only tot he extent that he reflected
the original. Therefore he wrote,
Imitate me, just as I also imitate
Christ.
It's good to follow godly examples,
but our worship must be reserved for Christ alone.
What you worship determines what
you become.
><> ><> ><>
YOU ARE A ROLE MODEL- As we grow up, we have many role models, people
who inspire us-- parents, teachers, athletes, political leaders,
characters in novels and in the pages of history.
The Bible also gives us many role models. The apostle Paul, for one,
is a challenging example of discipleship. In fact, he held himself up
as a pattern for all Christians to follow. "Imitate me," he urged,
"just as I also imitate Christ" (1 Cor. 11:1). He knew, of course,
that he could serve as a godly example only if he faithfully followed
his Lord.
Paul commended the Thessalonians because they followed him and the
Lord (see note
1Thessalonians 1:6).
They became examples to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia, and
they were well-known for their faith in God (see notes
1Thessalonians 1:7;
1:8).
As we copy Paul, who himself was copying the Savior, we in turn become
models who are being copied. What is the quality of our spiritual
influence? Negative or positive? Remember, it can't be neutral. No one
can rightly say, "I'm not a role model." --V C Grounds
(Our
Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. Reprinted by
permission. All rights reserved)
We cannot live our lives alone,
For other lives we touch
Are either strengthened by our own
Or weakened just as much. --Anon.
The best role models model Christ.
><> ><> ><>
YOU ARE A ROLE MODEL - Charles Barkley, superstar
basketball player for the Phoenix Suns, said in a television ad, "I am
not a role model." But, like it or not, he is. Everybody is a role
model for somebody else.
As we grow up, we have many role models, people who inspire us
-parents, teachers, athletes, political leaders, characters in novels
and in the pages of history.
The Bible also gives us many role models. The apostle Paul, for one,
is a challenging example of discipleship. In fact, he held himself up
as a pattern for all Christians to follow, "Imitate me," he urged,
"just as I also imitate Christ" (1 Cor. 11:1). He knew, of course,
that he could serve as a godly example only if he faithfully followed
his Lord.
Paul commended the Thessalonians because they followed him and the
Lord (see note
1Thessalonians 1:6).
They became examples to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia, and
they were well-known for their faith in God (see notes
1Thessalonians 1:7;
1:8).
As we copy Paul,
who himself was copying the Savior, we in turn become models who are
being copied. What is the quality of our spiritual influence? Negative
or positive? Remember, it can't be neutral. No one can rightly say,
"I'm not a role model."- Vernon C. Grounds
(Our
Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. Reprinted by
permission. All rights reserved)
We cannot live
our lives alone,
For other lives we touch
Are either strengthened by our own
Or weakened just as much.- Anonymous
The best role models, model Christ.
><> ><> ><>
This Little Light Of Mine - The Lake Michigan shoreline (a
short drive from where I live) is dotted with lighthouses built to
enable ship captains to navigate into safe harbors. The structures are
varied in size, shape, and color, but each has unique charm and
beauty. Pictures of the lighthouses are featured in books and
calendars, and some people collect replicas and other lighthouse
items.
But lighthouses were not built just to be admired; they were built to
hold lights that guide sailors to safety. A lighthouse is most useful
and appreciated when, in the darkness of night, only its light can be
seen—not the structure itself.
When Jesus sent out His disciples, He called them "the light of the
world" (Matthew 5:14). He also indicated that their task was not to
draw attention to themselves, but to do good works that would cause
people to recognize God's goodness and glorify Him.
Jesus said that just as a lamp's purpose is to give light, we also are
to let our light shine (vv.15-16). We're most effective when we shine
brightly in the darkness, guiding people who need to find safe harbor
in Christ.
For a light to be effective, it has to be shining in a dark place.
—Julie Ackerman Link
(Our
Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. Reprinted by
permission. All rights reserved)
My life was dark
until the Light shone in,
That Light was Christ, who saved me from my sin;
His light that I've received I want to share
And let it shine to people everywhere. —Hess
A little light makes a big difference in the darkest night.
><> ><> ><>
COPY THE MASTER -
The Louvre in Paris is perhaps
the most famous art museum in the world. It displays originals by such
masters as Delacroix, Michelangelo, Rubens, da Vinci, Ingres, Vermeer,
and many others.
Since 1793, the Louvre has encouraged aspiring artists to come and
copy the masters. Some of our most famous modern artists have done
that and have become better painters by copying the best the world has
ever known.
An article in Smithsonian magazine tells about Amal Dagher, a
63-year-old man who has been duplicating art at the Louvre for 30
years. Dagher remains in awe of the masters and continues to learn
from them. He said, "If you're too satisfied with yourself, you can't
improve."
Paul instructed us to be "imitators of God" (Ephesians 5:1). In his
first letter to the Thessalonians, he commended the believers because
they were becoming like the Lord and setting an example for others (1
Thessalonians 1:6-10).
Like the Louvre copyists, we'll never reach perfection before we get
to heaven. Even so, we must resist the temptation to be satisfied with
our present imitation of Jesus. We need to keep looking to Him,
learning from Him, and asking for His help. Let's copy the Master.
—David C. Egner
(Our
Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. Reprinted by
permission. All rights reserved)
More like the
Master I would live and grow,
More of His love to others I would show;
More self-denial, like His in Galilee,
More like the Master I long to ever be. —Gabriel
To become like Christ, we must learn from the Master.
><> ><> ><>
A Daily
Beauty - When you look in a mirror, what do you see? Do you see a
lovely reflection? A handsome face? Or do you see a plain or
unattractive countenance?
We want to give those who behold us what my friend called an aesthetic
blessing. But what about the beauty of holiness? Are others blessed by
the beauty that flows through us from Christ?
A distinguished Bible scholar of the 19th century, J. B. Lightfoot,
was described by one of his devoted students as "startlingly ugly: a
stout little man with a grotesque figure and a squint." But that same
student also said that Lightfoot was "the best man I have ever
encountered, and I say this deliberately after the experience of many
years. In a day or two . . . his face appeared the most beautiful and
lovable thing imaginable."
When Stephen was brought before the Jewish council for interrogation,
"they were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he
spoke" (Acts 6:10). As he was being accused, they "saw his face as the
face of an angel" (Acts 6:15).
By God's transforming grace, we too can have a daily beauty in our
lives. As we walk prayerfully in the Spirit, our faces increasingly
reflect the beauty of Jesus. —Vernon C Grounds
(Our
Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. Reprinted by
permission. All rights reserved)
Let the beauty of
Jesus be seen in me,
All His wonderful passion and purity;
O Thou Spirit divine, all my nature refine
Till the beauty of Jesus is seen in me. —Orsborn
Nothing can dim the beauty that shines from within.
><> ><> ><>
Likable
Christians - The local newspaper reported the death of a semi-pro
baseball pitcher I had admired during my teenage years. His name was
Elmer "Lefty" Nyenhouse. He was a likable Christian. The article said
that he had been active in his church and a respected member of his
community until his death at 88.
On several occasions I saw "Lefty" pitch against a topnotch semi-pro
team, the Chickie Giants. Knowing that Elmer was a devout Christian,
some of his opponents tried to rattle him in tense situations (like
when the bases were loaded with no outs). They would drop to their
knees by their dugout and shout, "Better get on your knees and pray,
Elmer!" "Lefty" took it in stride. Those who heckled him actually
respected him.
As Jesus grew up, He "increased . . . in favor with God and men" (Luke
2:52). People were drawn to Him. Their fondness for Him, of course,
alarmed the religious leaders who hated Him because of His teaching,
and they "sought how they might kill Him, for they feared the people"
(Luke 22:2).
Today, as always, some will hate you for being an outspoken follower
of Jesus. But make sure it's not because you are unpleasant, critical,
and hard to get along with. Being a likable person is to be like
Jesus. —Herbert Vander Lugt
(Our
Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. Reprinted by
permission. All rights reserved)
Let the beauty of
Jesus be seen in me—
All His wonderful passion and purity!
O Thou Spirit divine, all my nature refine,
Till the beauty of Jesus be seen in me. —Orsborn
Christlike people are likable people even if hated by some people.
><> ><> ><>
The Greatness
Of Godliness - In the eyes of most people, Jacob's brother Esau
was the greater man of the two. Through the years he had accumulated
immense wealth and power. He was the ruler of the land of Edom and
could have met Pharaoh on his own terms. Yet Esau, with all his
earthly authority, could not have blessed Pharaoh. Only Jacob had that
power (Genesis 47:10).
The spiritual is greater than the natural. God can endow a humble
human being with awesome moral force. Holiness has within itself the
power to master all other powers.
The Greek word for power or authority (exousia) contains the
preposition ex, which means "out of" or "from." This suggests that the
ability to influence others flows from inside. It is rooted in what we
are. "Do you wish to be great?" Augustine asked. "Then begin by
being." Greatness comes from holiness and nothing more.
I have a friend who makes his way through the halls of power in
Washington, DC, meeting with the most prominent women and men in the
world. He speaks a word or two, prays, and then walks on, but he
leaves behind the lingering and compelling influence of Christ. He has
the aura of greatness that surrounds all whose lives reflect the
character of Jesus. It is the greatness of godliness. —David H. Roper
(Our
Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. Reprinted by
permission. All rights reserved)
I want my heart
His throne to be,
So that a watching world may see
His likeness shining forth in me;
I want to be like Jesus. —Chisholm
Even a little example can have a big influence for Christ.
><> ><> ><>
Walking
Sermons - The best "preaching" is often expressed in actions
rather than in words. When we do right without saying anything, we can
have far greater impact for good than when we tell others what they
should do without doing it ourselves. Indeed, we might do better to
skip the "preaching" altogether if there is no "practicing."
Many parents overlook this as they instruct their children. They talk
about God, explain salvation through Jesus, and expect good works—but
it all ends there because their own example fails to match the
expectations they have for their children. In other Christian homes,
however, mothers and fathers make sure their walk supports their talk.
Their exemplary living provides clear and consistent guidelines. Wise
parents do not neglect verbal instruction, but they balance it with a
worthy example.
We usually think of preachers as those who speak from the pulpit, but
the truth is that we all are "preaching" every day. Our conduct at
home, the way we handle business matters, our response to
difficulties, our reaction to temptation—everything people observe
about us is "preaching." Someone said, "What you do speaks so loudly
that I can't hear what you say."
The actions of the Good Samaritan spoke so loudly that people still
hear them today. Without demanding or expecting anything for him-self,
He showed mercy to an injured man. As he did, we must make sure that
all of our actions are in harmony with God's revealed will. Whether we
realize it or not, our walking does our talking. —R. W. De Haan
(Our
Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. Reprinted by
permission. All rights reserved).
Every Christian
should be a walking sermon.
><> ><> ><>
Brown Bag
Witness - Ivan was a brilliant engineer, highly respected by his
co-workers. But sometimes they called him "Deacon" or "Parson" because
he had a deep religious faith and he didn't hide it. Every day at
lunch, for example, Ivan would bow his head over a little brown bag
and thank God for his food.
Jean Zeiler, who worked with Ivan, was intrigued by his consistent
testimony. She wanted to find out what made him so different. She
found her answer in a book Ivan told her about--the Bible. After
buying one and reading it three times, she came to know Jesus in a
personal way.
Ivan told Jean, "I used to wonder if I would ever lead anyone to
Christ." But his quiet witness was not only the key to Jean's
salvation, it also challenges thousands as she travels throughout the
world and gives her testimony.
The apostle Paul reminded the persecuted Thessalonian believers that
their "faith toward God" was touching lives in far-off places (1 Th.
1:8). This must have encouraged them to remain faithful to the Savior.
Never underestimate the impact you can have for Christ. When you live
for Him in your workplace or neighborhood, you will send forth a quiet
message that will be heard.
Lord, help us to be consistent witnesses for You. --D J De Haan
(Our
Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. Reprinted by
permission. All rights reserved)
Keeping in step
with the Savior,
Living a life that is true,
Clearly let's sound out a witness,
Proving what God's grace can do. --HGB
A quiet testimony is more convincing than a Loud sermon.
><> ><> ><>
A Mysterious Fragrance - Most of us can think of
someone—perhaps a relative or a friend—who is known for a particular
perfume she wears. Even without seeing her, we know when she's nearby.
Wordlessly, her fragrance welcomes us into her company.
Every Christian should also be known for wearing a particular
perfume—the fragrance of Christ. But it can't be bought at a cosmetic
counter. It can't even be bottled and sold by the church. This
mysterious perfume rises always and only out of our intimate
relationship with Christ and wafts a subtle yet noticeable influence
toward others.
Someone said about a Christian in his small town, "That man never
crosses my pathway without my being better for it!" Another remarked
of him, "You need only shake his hand to know that he is full of God."
Most likely, this admired believer had given a verbal witness at some
point. But without the aroma of Christ, his witness would not have
been effective.
The apostle Paul asked, "Who is sufficient for these things?" (2:16).
The answer is plain: Our fragrance, our entire sufficiency, is from
Christ alone, not from ourselves. What fragrance will you be wearing
today? — Joanie Yoder —Joanie Yoder
(Our
Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. Reprinted by
permission. All rights reserved)
When we've been
alone with Jesus,
There's a difference others know;
And to them it's like a fragrance
That we leave where'er we go. —Hess
When you are walking with Christ,
others will sense that He is with
you.
><> ><> ><>
FOR EXAMPLE - A mother cheetah brought a
live gazelle fawn to her 5-month-old cubs and released it. After the
cubs made several unsuccessful attacks, the mama cheetah intervened
and showed them how to "catch dinner."
I observed a similar technique used by a life insurance salesman.
After he told me about the benefits of a particular policy, he shared
how much coverage he had for his own family. His words took on new
meaning because he demonstrated by his own example how to insure a
family adequately.
If we want to teach others the art of knowing God and serving Him, we
can't overemphasize the importance and the power of example. That's
how Christ and His apostles communicated the same message. Their
obedience to God was seen in flesh-and-blood terms that were easily
understood.
Leadership by example is contagious. When Paul mentioned the
Thessalonians, who had become "followers of us and of the Lord," he
said that they also "became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia"
(1Thessalonians 1:6, 7).
Leadership is more than something that automatically goes with an
official title like Dad, Mom, Pastor, or Teacher. Those who want to
lead and help others must first of all be good examples. —Mart De Haan
(Our
Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. Reprinted by
permission. All rights reserved)
All in vain is
splendid preaching
And the noble things we say;
All our talk is wasted teaching
If we do not lead the way. —Anon.
You cannot teach what you do not know, nor lead where you do not go.
