Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample. (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.) –Philippians 3:17-19

 

Mahatma Ghandi said,”I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.” How sad! Ghandi said he would have become a Christian had it not been for Christians. That is a horrible indictment against those who profess to Christians, yet live like the world. That continues to be a problem to this very day.

C. H. Spurgeon once said, “A man’s life is always more forcible than his speech. When men take stock of him they reckon his deeds as dollars and his words as pennies. If his life and doctrine disagree the mass of onlookers accept his practice and reject his preaching.”

 

Dr. Paul chappell wrote: “Sadly, many people in our world only see Christianity through the lives of Christians. They will never take time to read the Bible, much less study the life and teachings of Christ. What they know about God is simply from how you and I act. Isn’t that a scary thought? Someone right now is watching your life and is forming an opinion about God from it.

 

—- too many Christians are unlike Christ. Many Christians claim the name of Christ yet act as if they do not know Him. Their lives do not line up with God’s teachings. How are the unsaved supposed to see Christ if Christians aren’t living like Him?

 

Notice the Apostle Paul’s admonition —, Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample (Philippians 3:17). Because he lived according to God’s Word, he could encourage others to follow his life. He used his life to point others to Christ.

 

If someone were to ask you what a Christian believes and how a Christian acts, could you point them to your life? Would your life serve as an accurate representation of the life of Christ? This is not to say you must be perfect. Even the Apostle Paul had faults and shortcomings. But he didn’t let those failures keep him from pressing on for Christ, and from compelling others to come with him.

 

Notice how Christ led His disciples. He did not merely tell them how to live; He showed them by living that way Himself. Just as Paul encouraged others to follow his example, so Christ encouraged those around Him to follow His lead in obedience to His Father.

 

People do what people see. If others see you living as a Christian one day, then living like a lost person the next, how will they know how they are to live? What example are you showing to others? Imagine you were a lost person. You (the lost person) tagged along to watch how you (the Christian) acted all day long. What would you think of Christianity? How would your view of God change?

 

Whether you realize it or not, you are setting an example for others right now. People are watching you; lives will either be turned to Christ or away from Him. Today as you go about your day, make a conscious effort to consider those around you. Remember that they are watching. You don’t have to be perfect, but follow God in each area of your life and encourage others to follow Him as well.”

The goal of many people’s lives is happiness. They “work for the weekend” so they can enjoy life. Many pursue a career, not because they enjoy it, but so they will have the means to gain pleasure through possessions.

 

As Christians, our goal in life should not be happiness. We should seek to honor God and then joy will follow. I once read this list of ten rules for joyful living:

 

1. Give something away

2. Perform an act of kindness

3. Spend a few minutes with the aged; glean wisdom from them

4. Look intently into the face of a baby and marvel at God’s blessing

5. Laugh often

6. Give thanks

7. Pray

8. Work diligently

9. Plan as though you’ll live forever

10. Live as though you’ll die tomorrow

 

The world’s plan for happiness is to achieve it through frivolous living. But God’s plan for joy is through living for Him. Happiness many times is an emotional feeling, but true joy is a constant state of being, not based on surroundings but on your position in the family of God.

 

Happiness is usually temporary but God’s joy will last through eternity. Notice the following verse: “That the triumphing of the wicked is short, and the joy of the hypocrite but for a moment?” (Job 20:5). Job’s friend Zophar was speaking to Job about the trials in his life. He points out that the happiness and the triumph of the wicked is short-lived.

 

While many may seem to have happiness through their wicked living, God promises to bless those who live for Him. Temporary happiness may be found in good times, but when trials come or difficult situations arise, those not living for God will quickly lose their happiness. But as you live for God and honor Him each day, even when hard times come, you can have joy because you know that God is in control.

 

Are you living a joyful life or are you seeking after happiness? True joy comes through living a godly life of walking with God. Maybe you once had joy but have recently lost it. Examine your heart and ask God to reveal any sin in your life. Repent of the sin which comes between you and the joy of the Lord today. When you are right with God, you can have joy no matter your surroundings.(From “Daily in the Word”)

 

Here’s the path to joy: Jesus first; Others second; Yourself last.

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding.
Proverbs 3:5

Children are constantly asking the question “Why?” “Why do I have to go to bed?” “Why can’t I have candy for breakfast?” “Why won’t you let me play in the street?” Of course, to adults the answers to these questions are obvious and make complete sense because we understand that it’s in the best interest of the child to get sufficient sleep, eat nutritious food, and remain safe while playing. But children simply do not understand this yet, and therefore have to trust their parents to make good decisions for them.

It is the same with trusting God; He knows what is best for us even if we don’t understand what is happening. Carrying out God’s will does not hinge upon our understanding every matter, but it does require that we live a God-honoring life and trust Him completely, “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways,” says the Lord (Isaiah 55:9).

We cannot possibly know and understand why God chooses to do what He does and how He chooses to do it. What we can do though, is trust that He has our best interest in mind and honor Him with our obedience.(From Turning Point)

The will of God is never exactly what you expect it to be. It may seem to be much worse, but in the end it’s going to be a lot better and a lot bigger.
Elisabeth Elliot