Walk As Jesus Did

This is how we know we are in Him: Whoever claims to live in Him must walk as Jesus did. (1 John 2:5–6, NIV 1984).

My Musings – What does it mean to “walk as Jesus did?” Despite “being in very nature God…He humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross!” (Philippians 2:6, 8, NIV 1984). Obedient to the will of the Father. “Father, if You are willing, take this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done.” (Luke 22:42, NIV 1984).

As a result, “God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:9–11, NIV 1984).

Few are called to “death on a cross,” or by some other means, because of their faith. But all will, at some time or another, face persecution of some kind or another. For Jesus Himself “told [us] these things…in this world [we] will have trouble.” (John 16:33, NIV 1984). That “if anyone would come after [Him], he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow [Him].” (Matthew 16:24). And finally, “no one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:62, NIV 1984).

No wonder it is the “road less traveled.” For “the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.” (Matthew 7:14, NLT 2015). Fewer still those who choose to take it.

My Advice – Despite the road’s difficulty in this world, we “may have peace…[and] take heart! [Because] I [Jesus] have overcome the world.” (John 16:33, NIV 1984).”So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised.” (Hebrews 10:35–36, NIV 1984).

“And this is what he promised us—even eternal life.” (1 John 2:25, NIV 1984). For, “the world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.” (1 John 2:16–17, NIV 1984).

“Somewhere ages and ages hence: Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.” (The Road Not Taken, Robert Frost). Which road you take will indeed “make all the difference.”