A Life Worth Imitating (A work in progress: A Draft)
Jesus is central to all of life.
Jesus is central to all of your life.
Jesus is central to all of our lives together.
He alone is worth imitating.
I seek to imitate Him, and to the degree I do,
I hope you see a model of how Jesus might look in you.
Jesus came, lived, taught, and died to bring you into relationship with Himself.
Jesus has given you the ministry of reconciliation. He calls you His ambassador.
You are still here to live in Him and speak of Him among the all peoples of earth.
The Church is the Body of Christ; and He is the Head (not you or anyone else)
He has gifted every believer and placed each one in His Body as he desires.
Everyone has value to Christ and has a role of service in His Body.
Value everyone, and who you are in Him.
What follows are things He is teaching me, that I am still learning:
Acknowledge God always, in all ways, in every situation . . .
His sovereignty, His Justice, His Mercy, His Grace, His love
For you, for everyone, for all of His creation.
Give thanks to God in all things . . . it is His will for you in Jesus.
Your relationship with God is secure in the cross of Christ
It is finished! There is no condemnation for you in Christ.
Your relationship is based on His promise, not your performance.
Serve God out of gratitude, not of obligation
Honor God in all that you think and do
God is with you – everywhere and always
God is involved in your life, shaping the likeness of Jesus in you
God invites you to come to Him with confidence anytime, always
Place your confidence in Jesus alone –
His person, His faithfulness, His ability, and His love for you.
You have died with Him; Your life is hidden in Christ
You have been crucified with Christ; He is living in you; Live by faith in Him.
Be His disciple – deny yourself, die daily, follow Jesus.
Guard your heart – everything in life flows out of it
The Spirit of God dwells there
Keep your heart tender before the Lord and others
Let the Word of Christ richly dwell within you
The Word reveals the heart and character of God
The Word is your source of nourishment for spiritual living
The Word is your source of all relevant knowledge and wisdom
The Word is your counsel, instruction, correction, comfort, challenge, direction.
Teach the Word (not other’s brilliant thoughts)
That all the nations would be blessed is the primary call of God
Nurture faith in all you meet.
