Today’s Readings:
Philippians 2:5-11
Psalm 22:26-32
Luke 14:15-24
When someone says with a smile, “You look like someone I know,” it is almost always a compliment. When people perceive godly traits in you, they pay your Maker a compliment. To be a follower of Christ is to think, speak and act like Him. If your thoughts, speech and actions do not reflect that of your Master, you are not His servant. So, what is Christ-like, how did he think, speak and act?
Saint Paul details the unique character traits of Jesus in a poem found in the Letter to the Philippians 2:5-11. According to Him, Jesus was:
Divine but humble.
He emptied Himself and became a slave.
He accepted death on the Cross for our sake.
His self-emptying sacrifice made the Father raise Him higher than any other person.
He received a name that was greater than any other name.
Every knee must bow at the mention of the name of Jesus.
And every tongue must confess that He is Lord.
And the Father is glorified every time that this is done.
As true followers of Christ, we too must:
Be humble yet dignified.
Be empty of self-interest.
Willingly serve others.
Put pride to death.
Be unapologetically Christian.
Accept life’s difficulties for the sake of Christ.
Stubbornly choose to do God’s will under pain of death.
Be zealous for God’s kingdom over worldly fame and prestige.
Bow down to none other than Jesus Christ.
Speak the truth in love.
Do everything to the glory of God, not to please ourselves or others.
The emblem of Christ rests on those who strive daily to embody these traits and eschew vice and ungodly sentiments. It helps to know that God desires for us to make heaven. And wants us to make an effort. If you do what lies in your power, God will not deny you grace.
JUDE-MARY OWOH
To surrender your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud. “Father, I acknowledge my sin against You. I repent and ask for forgiveness, in the name of Jesus. I surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, take control of my heart and lead me in Your path of righteousness. Thank you, Lord.”
If you said the prayer, Congratulations! Prayerfully look for a living church and meet the resident reverend, pastor or priest.
Prayer:
Lord, I want others to see Christ in me.
Lord, give me the grace to do what is right.
Lord, give me the courage to reject sin.
Lord, give me the strength to influence others for good.
Lord, help me to forgive the wrongs that others do to me.
Lord, expose my hidden flaws and help me quickly repent.
Lord, let the name of Jesus always be on my lips.
Lord, help me to spend each day as though it is my last.
Lord, I want to be in heaven at the end of my life. Amen.
I am a follower of Christ, anointed and consecrated, gifted and strengthened for God's mighty works. May the Holy Spirit help me to accomplish my purpose and find peace and joy in every situation through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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