Wow, God! (An Advent Journey)Shembull

WOW, GOD. YOU GIVE US AN EXAMPLE OF HOW WE SHOULD LIVE.

Experience

Ever thought about what Jesus really looked like once He grew up? Ever heard someone make fun of the pictures we have of Jesus? I love those laughs. That Jesus is blue eyed with dirty blonde hair, perfect highlights, doe-eyed with long lashes. That's probably not an accurate description. How would I describe Him? And do I want to be like Him? That's what’s written in the Bible - I should be like Jesus. But what does that look like in my life? What am I looking for? 

I’m probably looking to be someone who stands out in a crowd...who stands up straight in confidence... who looks you in the eye when you speak. Someone who will laugh at himself, but isn’t a comic all the time. A person who will listen first, talk second. See where I’m going? It adds up to this: Jesus is free in accepting people, and he wants the same of me. He doesn't waste time on attitude or judgment. That is just self-righteousness. And even though Jesus was righteous, He made no time for that. It wasn't His eye color or great build that people saw in Jesus. It was His acceptance and forgiveness.They saw someone who loved them.

Wow, God. You give us an example of how we should live.

Respond

Jesus came to show you what your life can look like. He came to be the example of a life worth living: accepting of others and keeping judgment out of your life. This starts in the mind, changing the way you think about others and changing the way you think about yourself. Start with this: “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 2:5) That change can only come through understanding the love of God shown to us in Jesus. Look at your circumstances and relationships, knowing God loves you and others. He will guide you and be the example for you. 

Pray

Dear God, show me how my life can be like Yours by accepting and forgiving others. Amen.