Commit to Memory: “Strip down, start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!” (Hebrews 12:2-3 MSG)
Living for Jesus has a lot of implications but to live for Him, we must look up to Him in power, in love, humility, kindness, sharing and caring, words, action etc. Why? This is because Jesus is the standard expression of the full intention of the Father for mankind.
Beloved, you must look up to Jesus to know what success, progress; fulfilment should be as far as God is concerned. This is very important because it makes you immovable about the success or progress of others because is only defined by God and not the world. To the world a millionaire is one having possession of funds (cash flow) but to God a millionaire is one influencing people in a million way. When was the last time you influenced people in a million way? Apostle Paul saw himself as no longer alive nor a slave to sin, he left his past life and persecution of the church behind, when he made up his mind to follow Jesus- it was Jesus all the way and so therefore Christ was now alone the centre of his joy and life.
In Philippians 3, Paul recounts all the former things he took pride in- his Jewish upbringing, intimidating credentials, following the law, and being a Pharisee, and yet, he says he counted it all vain and loss- all nothing for the sake of gaining Christ (Philip.3:7-8).
Beloved, is Christ your life? Is he your daily passion? Is he your hope for the future? Are you living for Jesus. The Lord is challenging us to grow into spiritual maturity. It is for this reason Paul said in 1 Corinthians 11:1 “Imitate me as I imitate Christ.” He later said in Philippians 3:17
“Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you”.
He taught them to follow his example, and that example was a life truly lived for Christ and Christ alone. May the Lord grant the grace to live for Him day after day.
Reflection: Until we look to Jesus in everything, we cannot live for Him anywhere and in everything.
Prayer Lines
•Father, give me the grace to imitate and follow you in all circumstance.
•Jesus, help me to live for You and You alone day after after.