Follow in His Steps

References

1 Peter 2:19 For this [is] thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully.
1 Peter 2:20 For what glory [is it], if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer [for it], ye take it patiently, this [is] acceptable with God.
1 Peter 2:21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:
1 Peter 2:22 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:
1 Peter 2:23 Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed [himself] to him that judgeth righteously:
1 Peter 2:24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

We as followers of Christ, want to be more like Him in our daily lives. So let's look closer at how He lived:

1) He was never in a hurry. Christ never made decisions in response the pressure tactics of others. Why?
Because skilled negotiators know that waiting is a weapon; whoever is the most hurried, usually ends up on the short end of the stick.
Waiting reveals the weakness in any plan- plus the motives of those around you.
Our greatest mistakes will usually happen because of impatience. Think long term.
Christ said: Luke 21:19 In your patience possess ye your souls.

2)He took time to rest!: Mark 6:31 And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going,.......No one was busier than Christ. Everybody wanted something from Him. The more successful you are the more people will reach for you. Christ separated Himself in order to receive. He knew you can't give what you don't have. Work time is giving; rest time is receiving. He understood the balance. That's why He accomplished so much in such a short amount of time - approximately 3 years. When you're rested you: (a) think more clearly; (b) make better decisions; (c) see life through confident eyes; (d) accomplish more in less time; and (e) what you build is built to last.
We all need to stop our frantic push for success, this is the way of the world. We need to take time to taste the present. The fires of desire will always rage within us, so we need to learn to dominate that rage and focus it. We need to learn to rest as Christ did.

3)He never felt He had to prove Himself to anyone: He has some strong advise about this for us; Matthew 7: 6 " Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you." We have nothing to prove to anyone. At Calvary, His critics said, " Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest [it] in three days, save thyself. If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross." Matthew 27:40
What was His reaction? Nothing, He refused to let the ignorance of others intimidate Him or alter His plans in any way. He already had the Father's approval: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased .Matthew 3:17
When you have that, what else matters?

4) he never wasted His time answering critics: Matthew 27:14
And he gave him no answer, not even to one word: insomuch that the governor marveled greatly. He responded to hunger. He responded to thirst. He responded to seekers. But He never wasted His time on people who were trying to trap Him. You owe nothing to a critic. Speak not in the ears of a fool: for he will despise the wisdom of thy words. Proverbs 23:9

There's never been a monument built to a critic. Why? Because they're spectators, not players! Why give time to your critics when you don't have enough for your family and friends? Solomon said," Stay away from a foolish man, for you will not find knowledge upon his lips" Proverbs 14:7

5) He overcame His past: His mother was pregnant with Him before she married Joseph. Explanation? Matthew 1:20........for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. Try explaining that to your friends! Only 2 knew the truth- GOD and Mary. Undoubtedly many criticized Joseph for marrying Mary. Christ grew up with this, yet there's no mention of Him feeling the need to explain His background. Why?
John 13:3
knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God;

Our identity comes from GOD- not men!
We all need to stop talking about our limited education, or complaining that everyone in our family is contentious, or repeating stories of those who have failed us. We have to stop pointing the finger at the economy, or advertising our pain, or meditating on our flaws. All of us are challenged in some way; physically, emotionally, mentally, or spiritually. God says "Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert" .Isaiah 43:18, 19
Satan discusses our past. That appears to be the only information he has about us.
Christ discusses our tomorrows. He enters our life to end our past and give birth to our future. We all need to stop taking journeys into yesterday and focus on what's ahead. Christ did, and said" Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater [works] than these shall he do; because I go unto the Father." John 14:12

Posted by Tye on February 27, 2004, 4:28 pm