Little Christs

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God — this is your true and proper worship.

– Romans 12:1

Early followers of Jesus were called Little Christs because their newfound faith had transformed their lives for all to see. This odd group of people from all walks of life — rich and poor, male and female, slave and free — were markedly different from the rest of society. They somehow had grown more caring and generous toward both neighbors and strangers alike, and they willingly sacrificed their time and resources to ease sorrow and correct injustice. Ultimately, they had abandoned their old, selfish tendencies in favor of something much greater. 

In a word, they were changed.

And that says a lot for their leader — an obscure rabbi from a distant corner of the Roman Empire, who just happened to be God’s own Son. Few recognized that at the time. But because some did and led changed lives while following Jesus, millions in future generations would in turn help to change the world for the better. 

Modern-day Christ-followers must too set aside their selfish deeds and desires in favor of following Jesus’ example of righteousness. Like those first disciples transformed by the words of the Sermon on the Mount, we should recognize that Jesus the Leader was also Jesus the Follower. Christ spoke constantly with his Father (God) in prayer and always sought his guidance. 

“I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing,” explained Jesus, “because whatever the Father does the Son also does.”

It’s a radical approach that’s just as life-changing today as it was 20 centuries ago. And it’s also an approach that calls for personal action, commitment and sacrifice. So whether you’ve followed Jesus for five years or 55, grasp every opportunity to become more like him, walk in his ways and see the world through his eyes. And ask God to work through you with the Holy Spirit — that personal, loving Power who makes it possible to leave your old self behind and become a new creation. 

It’s change that makes a difference. And eventually, through the trials of life and the whispers of his leadings, we’ll become the people of righteousness and faith that our Creator always dreamed we could be. 

Doing a New Thing

See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.

– Isaiah 43:19

What is it that every Bible-believing church in the world will celebrate this weekend — and every weekend to come?

It’s the radical notion that God loves his creation so much that he sent his only Son to personally pay for the mess we’ve all made of our lives and a once unspoiled creation. With this immense price now cleared from our individual accounts, every believer — through faith in Jesus Christ — is free to serve as his hands and feet throughout the community and even the world.

Of course, Christ-followers are in a predicament these days. Relativism rules America, and that which is obviously right or wrong is no longer considered so black and white. Popular culture brands those who believe in Jesus and his teachings as old-fashioned and intolerant. And those who dare to point out our nation’s retreat from God are labeled as bigots, hate-mongers or similar insults. 

The world really is upside down. For example, it’s actually a career move for many celebrities, musicians and sports stars when they break the law and go to jail. But if a Christ-follower — real or in name only — slips up and does something wrong, the word hypocrite quickly follows through the media.

Of course, Christ-followers should be happy to plead guilty to holding some narrow and politically incorrect beliefs. One is that Jesus is the one and only way to God. Ultimately, the world’s false philosophies and religions fall far short of our Creator’s standards. And that’s Good News that the world curses and can’t tolerate. 

“Woe to those who call evil good and good evil,” responds God, “who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter.”

Although there’s bad news all around us, it’s particularly reassuring to know that God continues to do a new thing in our community through his followers. Jesus encourages Believers like you and me to continue being beacons of light to a distorted world in need of guidance, truth and character. People are watching to see if our words match our deeds. May it be that we celebrate the Good News of Christ through changed lives marked with love in action! 

The Good Shepherd

Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression, bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause.

– Isaiah 1:17

If you’re one of the millions of Americans these days who are considering a career change, how about becoming a shepherd? 

Although the number of job openings for shepherds has dropped over the years, it appears that good help is hard to find in that field. In fact, it’s not uncommon for ranchers, farmers and landowners to import experienced shepherds from other nations where sheep-and-goat management is still a thriving enterprise. If you still think that you’re up to the task, understand that shepherds are responsible for protecting their flock against vicious predators including coyotes, wolves, mountain lions, bears and even domestic dogs. They must also monitor their sheep for illness. What’s more, an experienced shepherd is expected to shear up to 125 ewes a day without nicking or cutting the animal’s skin.

Above all, a shepherd’s primary responsibility is the safety and welfare of their flock. And since so many different things can happen to the animals under their watch, they need to expect the unexpected, be courageous ... and do the right thing. 

Doing the right thing isn't just the right thing to do, it's also a biblical principle for Christ-followers. As we read in James 4:17, "So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin."

Doing the right thing often calls for bravery. While we may never face a powerful army on the battlefield, we might have to take on figurative opponents like injustice, crime or discrimination. We have no hope of defeating them on our own. However, we should be encouraged that God specializes in empowering average Joes and Janes to do the extraordinary against overwhelming odds.

For example, the Old Testament tells us that David — at the time an obscure shepherd boy and musician — protected his nation by killing the Philistine giant Goliath with a stone from his slingshot. It was this same David who eventually became the mighty King of Israel, and the one God called a man after My own heart. Likewise, a fisherman named Peter once dove into the deep end when he accepted Jesus' call to walk on water. After he began to doubt his own abilities, Peter began to sink. But Christ saved him once the struggling follower called out in faith. This same hesitant follower — who would eventually deny Jesus to others three times — ultimately became a bold preacher of what the New Testament’s Acts of the Apostles described as The Way (the Good News about his Savior, Jesus Christ). Two books of the Bible also bear Peter's name.

As Christ-followers, we can take heart. The world is a scary place, but God doesn't expect us to solve all of its problems. Instead, it's by seeking and embracing his power in faith that we can make a world of difference. And it all starts when we seek and do the right thing.

 

Obstacle Course

Then I looked things over and told the leaders, the officials, and the rest of the people, "Don't be afraid of your enemies! The Lord is great and fearsome. So think of him and fight for your relatives and children, your wives and homes!"

– Nehemiah 4:14

It’s a common misconception — particularly among new Believers — that life's struggles disappear once they accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior. But the truth is quite the opposite. In fact, Christ-followers are particularly susceptible to the obstacles of life when they say YES to God and seek to do his will. 

Note first that these pitfalls and detours can take several disheartening forms. It might be criticism or ridicule of our efforts from an enemy, co-worker or even a family member. And in extreme cases, the situation could turn malicious, violent, or even fatal.

The saying “no good deed goes unpunished” applies here. That’s why we shouldn’t be surprised when we take heat for trying to help others see the light. In fact, we should beware if our faith-journeys are too smooth and trouble-free. It could mean that the devil doesn’t consider us a threat to his plans. And it’s then that we can become our own worst enemy: 

“How terrible when everyone says only good things about you,” warns Jesus, “because their ancestors said the same things about the false prophets.”

What should we do when doing God’s will gets too rough? The first thing is to know your opposition and acknowledge its existence. Running away, ignoring the situation or pretending it doesn’t exist won’t make it disappear. Then pray for God’s help and guidance. And also pray for your enemy — and even do good for them. Finally, don’t be afraid to stand up for what you’re doing. If it’s something that comes from God, saying yes to him and fighting for what’s right is worth the trouble and effort. 

That’s a tall order. But remember that we’re not in the fight alone, and God has the last word. Moreover, since Jesus has already paid the price on the cross for the world’s sins, the battle is already won, and the obstacles are overcome.

Victory is ours when we say YES to the Lord.