In response to The Daily Post’s writing prompt: “I Walk the Line.”
The Daily Prompt today asks Have you got a code you live by? What are the principles or set of values you actively apply in your life?
I suppose it is trite to say but I try to live by the motto “WWJD” (What would Jesus do). I approach everyday with prayer directed to Jesus Christ and a renewed hope in His mercies which are new every morning.
Over time I have learned that trying to be like Jesus in my own strength is a fool’s errand. I can no more attain Christ-likeness by my own striving than a turnip can attain humanity by growing in the garden. Left to itself a turnip will always be a turnip and left to my own machinations I will always remain a sinner. But there is hope, for me at least. While I am pretty sure nothing can make a turnip turn human there is something that can transform this sinner into a righteous man; That is the power of Christ.
2 Corinthians 3:16-18 says, “whenever someone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. 17For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.”
The code is “What would Jesus do”. The ability to live by the code comes through my daily inviting Jesus into my life, by prayer, to do what He would!
Tag Archives: Jesus
The Point
In the shadow of the cross
15The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. 17He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. 19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him Col: 1:15-17
I think most humans are born a little attention deprived. We either never come to an understanding of what’s really important or we lose focus on the important things in life. We do get lost in the minutiae thinking it’s the point. In gaining wealth, fame, land comfort, a satisfying job or any other earthly satisfaction we run the risk of missing the real point while trying to maintain the dimensions of our life.
Even as ministers we so often miss the point. We say things like, “The goal is souls.” Or “It’s all about winning souls.” Now I think souls are important. Evangelism and discipleship are way up there on my to do list. But I am learning that I can get everything on my to do list done and still miss the point. Souls are not the point. Ministry is not the point. The church is not the point (that does not diminish their importance). Jesus is the point and a personal relationship with Him is the goal. If at the end of my days in this vale of tears I have failed to accomplish that, then I will have truly missed the point.
21“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ 23Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’ Ma. 7:21-23
Let’s keep the main thing the main thing.
Lillie-Put 