Key To Exemplary Living!

Paul exhorted the church at Corinth to…
“Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.” ( 1 Corinthians 11:1 ESV)

Paul was not a perfect man. He acknowledged his great need for the grace of God. (i.e. 1 Timothy 1:15-16; Romans 7:15) However, to look at his life and ministry we would acknowledge he lived an exemplary life. He recognized the great need to practice those things which he taught. (i.e. 2 Thessalonians 3:9-10) He also encouraged others to note the example of those who so walked. ( Philippians 3:17)

What is the compelling force that can bring about such living? What must take place for us to be able to live exemplary lives worthy of imitation? The statement has been made, “A LIVING Christ in a LIVING man is a LIVING sermon.” [Original source unknown. Emphasis mine.]

Note how Paul acknowledged such as the reality for his life.
“It is no longer I who live, but CHRIST who LIVES IN ME. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” ( Galatians 2:20 ESV)

If Christ is truly ALIVE in us it will show. Just as history has revealed Christ cannot be ultimately ignored, for Him to be ALIVE in us He cannot be hidden. When Jesus has become our life as in the case of Paul, we too will be able to live exemplary lives drawing the focus of others to the Christ Who lives within and reigns above. May we allow the influence of the LIVING CHRIST to transform our lives into a LIVING sermon.

Have a great day ALLOWING CHRIST TO SHINE THROUGH!
Carl

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