Life In Transition!

There are many ways in which I am a different person today than I was yesterday (or in years passed). Those differences range from physical to intellectual to emotional to spiritual changes. My hope is that I will yet be different in some respects tomorrow (and in however many more days the Lord provides) than I am today. The fact I am not the person I was yesterday (if those changes are positive ones) is a sign of growth. The desire to be different tomorrow than I am today is a sign I am not content with my stature before God and recognize the need to continue growing. Today I am a BETTER EXAMPLE for others than I was in the past and I do pray that I will become an even BETTER EXAMPLE in the future. However, in the midst of realizing all of this, I must make certain the "measuring rod" by which I continue to compare my life is an accurately established standard.

As Paul recognized eyes of others were looking to him, he stated. . .
"Be imitators of me, AS I AM OF CHRIST." ( 1 Corinthians 11:1 ESV)

Though Paul knew he needed to live his life as an example for others, we should note where he ultimately directed the focus; to CHRIST! In so far as he imitated CHRIST, that is how he wanted others to follow the example of his life.

Even as the writer of Hebrews exhorted those to whom he wrote to take note of the example of faith among their leaders ( Hebrews 13:7), he went on to state. . .

"JESUS CHRIST is the SAME YESTERDAY and TODAY and FOREVER." ( Hebrews 13:8 ESV)

This is why CHRIST is where our focus ought to be anchored. In JESUS we will find the consistent standard for measuring our life. Though the world's standards continue to shift, JESUS is the standard transcending all of time because with Him there is no change or need for it!

Don't be discouraged when you find you don't quite measure up. It is good to notice. However, be encouraged when you see progress is being made as you surrender your life more and more to the LORD.

Let us all keep our eyes fixed on JESUS as the standard of comparison for the continuation of our growth. JESUS CHRIST is the constant and most consistent standard for how life can be lived in a God glorifying manner in this earthly realm. There is NO BETTER EXAMPLE than JESUS to model our lives after and thus become a BETTER EXAMPLE ourselves. May we continue paralleling our life to the standard found in JESUS so that with each day we can become more and more like Him.

Have a great day MATURING AFTER THE PATTERN OF CHRIST!
Carl

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