Following Well: Getting Better in Our Walk With ChristÀpẹrẹ

Understand Your Context

Context has to do with the conditions, culture, and environment where the following occurs. We do not follow in isolation but within a particular space or environment. For example, people follow other individuals on social media, while others follow within family structures, within their organizations, schools, or friendships. The rules of engagement within each space are different and unique. 

So it makes sense to evaluate how we follow, especially from the perspective of our unique contexts. The Scripture reading for today reveals this understanding. John describes Jesus as the Word of God, who, in the beginning, created the universe. The Word becomes flesh and dwells among us, giving the impression that Christ leaves His heavenly dimension to live among mortal men. This idea that He dwelt among us suggests that Christ possesses a human body and, in so doing, adopts His humanity. The text in John reveals that Jesus is all God, yet all man living within a context, a culture, a timeframe that impacts His responses to others and His calling.

Similarly, In 1 Corinthians 9:19-23, Paul the Apostle approaches his interactions with his world from a contextual perspective. Like Christ, who became flesh, Paul becomes all things to all men. He is weak to the weak, Jewish to the Jew, and gentile to the gentile. He becomes what they are experiencing yet still maintains his essence as a child of God, similar to Christ. 

When we follow God, it will be within a context that will allow us to empathetically connect with our world yet give us the ability to shine as the lights God has called us to be. To be effective as followers of God in our respective environments, we must be humble while taking time to immerse ourselves in the sufferings of others completely. 

Prayer

Lord, Help me to be completely aware of the context that surrounds me. Help me to see how I fit into your plans and how I can live a life of purposeful following. Father, may I be sensitive to the struggle and pain of others; help me, Lord, to creatively connect with you and those you have called me to reach.