An inmate released from jail yet refusing to wear anything, but his old prison grab would probably garner some attention. It will not be the attention he desires because he would be judged based on where he has been. Though the thought of a prisoner who is free roaming around in an orange jumpsuit perplexes us, we as believers sometimes do the same thing. We have been given a freedom in Christ, yet we refuse to act like it. In Ephesians 6 we are called to put on the armor of God, so before we can do that we have to get out of the prison garb that once fit us so comfortably.
“Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.”
Ephesians 5:1-2 NLT
I wonder if we examine yesterday, and really took some time to break it down, how would it look compared to the example of Christ. I wouldn’t have to look by heard to find times that I either missed an opportunity to share the love of Jesus or find a time where my example was not much of one. We go through life just doing the motions. Not really thinking about what we are doing as they have become ingrained in us.
To imitate God isn’t something that instantaneously happens when we accept Jesus into our lives. We are a work in progress, we still have to live in this sinful world which will daily grind us done in hopes of us throwing aside the new-found freedom we have. The enemy doesn’t want us to be effective in our walk with Jesus. If he has lost you, he will do everything in his power to either get you to relinquish the freedom or make you apathetic to the cause of reaching others. Lazy Christians are effective for the enemy. If he can get you to put on those old dirty prison rags and fit in with all the others, then he is content to let you do so.
But as followers of Jesus, we like children should be looking at him as a role model, father figure, teacher. Someone to look up to, aspire to, work to become like, it is what we are called to. He gave us a mission of sharing the same love, that rescued you from the eternity in hell, and to share it too those around us. Those who are like us, those who live close by and may not be like us, those outside our area and those out in the world. Do not be deceived, we are called to tell others about Jesus. If you are not telling others about Jesus you are not listening to the one who saved you. It is time to burn the prison clothes and replace them with the armor of God.
What is holding you back from sharing Jesus with people?
Jesus, we thank you for rescuing us. We ask your forgiveness if we haven’t been faithful in sharing you live with others. Help us to do this daily. Encourage us to see the moments and grasp them. I want to destroy my prison garb that has that connection to the old way of life and put on the armor of God that you offer me. As we see people come to you it will motivate us, even more, to share your love. Set us on fire. They matter to you, so they matter to me. Amen
50 Days of Pray 