3/7/17
Cherie Johnson
Hebrews 3:1-11
This is a difficult scripture for me. It caused a great deal of reflection. I thought I was a faithful follower of Christ, but as with most areas of my life there is always room for improvement. Christ is our example, and we cannot be Him. We can do what we are able and then, with His help, become more like our risen Savior. No one is like Christ, but we can strive to be Christ-like. Reading God’s word and following the example set for us is a huge part of that.
Taking time to be in God’s word helps us to be more like Christ and a more faithful servant. I thought of this as I worked with my children to learn little songs called Hide-em-in-Your-Heart songs. These little songs were actual Bible verses set to music by Steve Green. Things like, “When I am afraid I will trust in you in God whose word I praise.” Psalm 56:3-4. I hoped that in doing this, my little ones would each want to study His word. My oldest still, at 36, remembers these songs, and truly enjoys reading the Bible. This was a step in the right direction.
Time in prayer is important. As a young mother of four children I was always in my car running this way or that, picking up and dropping off children. I felt badly that this seemed to be the time I could best talk with God. By bedtime I was exhausted and at six a.m. I hit the ground running again. There seemed to be no other time. I spoke to my pastor about this and he said to remember that when we pray is not important, but that we pray. Obviously, eyes open or shut was not important. Speaking to God and knowing that He is there to talk with and will answer our prayers in His time was of greater importance. That took a load off of my shoulders. I appreciated each subsequent car trip. I knew I would be in the presence of God as I went on my daily journeys.
Being a faithful follower often means relying on Him when you have lost your way or just don’t know what to do. I can honestly say that is not hard for me. He has allowed so many trials in my life which have taught me to lean heavily on Christ who is my rock and salvation.
As Christians it is important that we do everything we can to become faithful followers of Christ and put Him first in our lives. God gave His Son to us as an example of a Godly person. We cannot be Christ, but endeavor to become more Christ-like.
Prayer: Lord, as we think of your Son, put in our hearts a passion to be diligent and faithful followers in all aspects of our lives, spending time in the Word, in prayer, and in trusting God for everything. May we know that we can never be Jesus, but that we need to strive to be as Christ-like as we can. Amen.
Thought for the Day: As we enter into the Lenten season let us be like Moses, a faithful follower of Christ.