Devotional:

“Therefore, be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not become partners with them; for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore, it says,

“Awake, O sleeper,
and arise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you.

Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.”

— Ephesians 5:1-21

What if you knew that everyone around you was imitating you? Your language, the way you treat others, your reactions, how you carry yourself? Scary right? I’ve got good news and bad news. The good news is, you have people around you, watching and imitating you. The bad news is…yep, you have people around you, watching and imitating you.

Is your first thought, “oh no…”?

God not only calls us to lead by example, but He commands us to! In Mark 12:30, Jesus says, “You shall love the Lord your God with all of your heart, and with all of your soul and with all of your mind and with all of your strength”. We are, according to God’s word, always to be ready to do whatever He may be calling us to. But it doesn’t stop there. Mark 12:31 says, ”you shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no greater commandment than these.”

When you are around your family, friends or coworkers, are you showing them the love of Christ with your words and actions? Or are people surprised and confused when they find out you go to church?

This either creates a sense of relief and calm because you know you are doing well at trying to set a good example for others in the way you act around them and the way you treat them, or causes extreme anxiety and profuse sweating as you play back all the moments and words and actions that you can’t take back.

Below is a list of just a few of the things that Paul addressed in his letter to the Ephesians while in prison. I would imagine he did a lot of reflecting on his own life during that time. Look at the list below. What are some potential stumbling blocks or sinful areas in your life? (Be honest with yourself.)

• Sexual immorality (emotional or physical).
• Coveting others.
• Filthy talk (potty mouth is very unattractive).
• Crude joking.
• Gossiping about others (“prayer requests”).
• Laziness: you tend to sit back and let others set the example for you.
• Drink too much: leaving your mind foggy and missing moments that God could be putting in front of you.
• Dark secrets that need to be brought to light. I don’t need to explain this one because, just wait for it, dark things always come to light, eventually.
• Put your hope in the things of this world: it will never be enough. No matter how expensive the house or large the portfolio. You can’t reach it.
• Make poor decisions that are affecting you and your loved one’s lives: maybe because you are selfish, lazy, or afraid.
• Submitting to others: bosses, spouses…even humbling yourself before others just to show the love of Christ.
• Loving others (even the hard ones to love).
• Complaining about all the things that could be better in your life instead of thanking God for all He has given you.

Scale from 1-10 on how you’re doing on these things below. 1 being the worst:

• I glorify God with the way I treat my spouse.
• I glorify God with how I react to my children.
• I glorify God with my words at work.
• I glorify God by serving others.
• I glorify God by giving sacrificially.
• I glorify God on Friday and Saturday nights out with my friends.
• I glorify God by the way I react to the news.
• I glorify God by loving my neighbor as myself.
• I glorify God by being a proactive Christian instead of reactive.

The work we do for the Lord is a result of the joy we have for what He has done for us! We don’t have to do it…we get to! The “get to” mentality is proactive. When you see the change that needs to be made and the opportunities God has placed in front of you, you do it. The “have to” mentality will keep you complacent, missing those opportunities and therefore later reacting, maybe in defense, as a result.

 So, are you proactive? Or are you reactive? Are you proactive when you see the news, or reactive? Are you proactive at parenting your kids, or reactive because you have not led by example? Are you proactive in loving your spouse, or reactive because you’ve become distant and detached? Are you proactive in setting an example at work, or reactive by gossiping and complaining about your boss? Are you proactive in your church, serving with a glad heart and seeing the blessings God has given? Or are you serving with a bitter heart because everything doesn’t line up the way you think it should?

The world looks at us, as Christians, through a microscope. There are expectations that, if you slip, the world can be a cruel and judgmental place. Christians are still human and we constantly need God’s grace and mercy, too! We must wrap our lives in prayer and time with Jesus so that the light of Christ will begin to naturally shine from us. The closer we are to Him, the brighter His light shines from us, out to the world.

This week, pray that God will use you and place an opportunity in front of you so that you can be proactive and go, instead of reactive and hesitant.

Lord, You know all my thoughts, words, and actions before I do. Nothing is hidden from You. Forgive me for the times I have missed opportunities You’ve placed in front of me. Lord, take out the things in my life that are keeping me from focusing on You. Use me to show Your glory and honor and praise. Amen.

Listen to the Lord today. Hear Him speak to you.