The Impact Of Christ-Like Living
The disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost.
Acts 13:52
At times people have said to me, “Christians are all hypocrites—I don’t want anything to do with Christ!” But that is an excuse to keep from having to face the truth that is in Christ. Instead, understand His teaching and examine His life. And if you know Christ and have committed your life to Him, learn from Him and live a consistent life for Him. Do others see something of Christ—His love, His joy, His peace—in your life?
True Christians are supposed to be happy! Our generation has become well versed in Christian terminology, but is remiss in the actual practice of Christ’s principles and teachings. Therefore, our greatest need today is not more Christianity but more true Christians.
The world may argue against Christianity as an institution, but there is no convincing argument against a person who through the Spirit of God has been made Christ-like. Such a one is a living rebuke to the selfishness, rationalism, and materialism of the day. Too often we have debated with the world on the letter of the law when we should have been living oracles of God, seen and read of all people.
It is time that we retrace our steps to the source and realize afresh the transforming power of Jesus Christ.
Jesus said to the woman at Jacob’s well, “Whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst” (John 4:14). This sin-sick, disillusioned woman was the symbol of the whole race. Her longings were our longings! Her heart-cry was our heart-cry! Her disillusionment was our disillusionment! Her sin was our sin! But her Savior can by our Savior! Her forgiveness can be our forgiveness! Her joy can be our joy!
Our Father and our God, transform me through Your Spirit until You can say, “This is My child in whom I am well pleased.” I want to be a child of whom You can be proud. I want to be like Jesus. Give me His spirit in full measure, Father. In His name I repent and pray. Amen.
Billy Graham, Unto the Hills: A Daily Devotional (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 2010).