by Roy Lessin
“Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did.”
1 John 2:6 NLT
How did Jesus live each day?
Is it really possible for us to live as He lived?
Here are some things to consider:
The first is His dependency.
Jesus lived each day dependent upon His Father. We can also live each day in complete dependency upon the Lord. He is our strength, our life, our sufficiency, and He is the source of all we need.
The second is His faithfulness.
Jesus lived each day in faithfulness to what His Father called Him to do. As followers of Jesus Christ we can be faithful to what God has called us to do and do His will whole-heartedly.
Think carefully about this Jesus whom we declare to be God’s messenger and High Priest. For He was faithful to God, who appointed Him. Hebrews 3:1-2 NLT
Jesus lived each day in faithfulness to what His Father called Him to do. Jesus stayed true to His Father’s plan and will for His life. He didn’t drift away from it or follow it half-heartedly.
‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’ Matthew 25:23 NKJV
As followers of Jesus Christ we can be faithful to what God has called us to do and do His will whole-heartedly.
The third is His obedience.
“Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.” Luke 22:42 NKJV
Jesus lived each day in obedience to His Father’s will. Jesus not only obeyed His Father, but He obeyed Him without delay. He obeyed willingly and joyfully.
So you must live as God’s obedient children. 1 Peter 1:14 NLT
Obedience to God’s will in our lives is a choice we can make each day. As God’s children, He trains us to be obedient because He knows what is best for us. It is through our obedience that we know the meaning of a joy-filled heart and a meaningful life.
The fourth thing is His motivation.
“And He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him.” John 8:29 NKJV
The reason Jesus lived the way He did was because He wanted to fully glorify and please His Father. He lived to please only His Father and have His approval.
Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him. 2 Corinthians 5:9 NKJV
The motivation of our hearts should be to please Him. There is nothing higher than that. When we live to do what is well pleasing in His sight we will know His smile of approval upon our lives.
The fifth thing is His empowering.
Then Jesus returned to Galilee, filled with the Holy Spirit’s power.
“The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me, for He has anointed Me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free.” Luke 4:14, 18 NLT
Jesus was filled with the Holy Spirit. Jesus lived each day in the presence and the power of the Holy Spirit. All that He did in His public ministry was under the anointing and empowering of the Holy Spirit.
“I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them.” Ezekiel 36:27 NKJV
“Be filled with the Spirit.” Ephesians 5:18 KJV
Since His ascension to the right hand of the Father, Jesus has made it possible for each of us to be filled with the Holy Spirit and to have His power in our lives. It is by the Holy Spirit’s presence, fullness, and power that we can walk as Jesus walked and live as Jesus lived. Ask Him now to fill you, empower you, and lead you step by step into His plan and purpose for you.
You can comment on this devotional online at:
http://thoughtsaboutgod.com/blog/2013/04/11/rl_living-like-jesus/