Be the One

1 Corinthians 15:58

“Therefore my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.”

This verse seems to be a good theme for the new year. I’ve been thinking about people in my life who have been steadfast, immovable, always dependable in their character and faithfulness.  Sadly, there are some public figures who have fallen and disappointed the Body of Christ, but for every one of those, there are literally thousands out there who are diligent, faithful, walking in love as Christ commanded, fulfilling the great commandment and commission year after year.  They are loving their families well, being faithful to their spouses, and serving the Body of Christ.  

The Apostle Paul says to imitate him, as he imitates Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1).  Can you say that about yourself- can people imitate you, as you imitate Christ?  What would the world look like if people started to imitate YOU?  It seems like there is a hesitancy for anyone to be bold enough to say, “imitate me.” But as followers of Christ, we are not just wandering around in the dark hoping to stumble on the truth – we have the answer to peace in this life and security in the next. 

This time of year lends itself to “declutterring,” and getting rid of unwanted things.  It’s a good time for us to examine our lives as well and get rid of anything that is a hindrance to our relationship with God or the people in our lives.  But if you are walking with God, especially if you are a leader, or have been walking with Him a long time, don’t fall into the trap of giving the impression that we are all just muddling through this thing called life together, when, in fact, we have everything we need “for life and godliness” (1 Peter 1:3).   

I want to learn from someone who does have more knowledge, more insight, more wisdom, more experience.  Someone who has navigated the choppy waters of this life with its struggles and its pleasures and has safely reached the other shore.  We all need mentors – those we can look up to, who are living out godly Christian lives, those who will give us counsel from Scripture, and from their own life experience based on foundational truths.  

While ultimately, we follow Jesus, we need those steadfast men and women we can point to and say, “Yes, that’s who I want to be when I grow up!”  May we be the ones in 2024!

“Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.”

Ephesians 6:10