“Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.” I John 2:6 (NIV)
Devotion:
“There’s Brian,” I told my husband, pointing to the tall dark haired young man on the basketball court as we walked into the gym. “He is terrific,” I continued as we sat down to watch the game. “His Christian faith is very important to him and he is one of my best role models at high school to talk to the younger kids about making good choices. He lives what he believes and everybody knows it.”
“That’s a big responsibility” my husband commented.
Not five seconds later Brian and an opponent began jockeying for position during a play but the intensity quickly escalated to bumping and shoving – hard – and then a whistle from the referee and a double foul call.
My husband glanced at me with eyebrows raised but before I could say one word, Brian reached over, patted his opponent on the rear and said “Sorry about that.”
The game was intense from beginning to end and emotions from parents and players alike fluctuated with the score and each call. With two minutes to go and two points separating the score, a foul was called on Brian.
The hometown crowd immediately went ballistic at what they perceived was a bad call – until Brian raised his hand, acknowledging the referee’s whistle on him. The crowd immediately quieted.
He could have huffed and puffed and stomped around but he didn’t. He could have scowled at the referee as many ball players do when they don’t agree with a call.
But to Brian, it was not a question of whether or not he had fouled; it was a matter of respecting the referee who made the call. Why? Because the Christian example that he was to others really did matter.
I cannot help but think of him when I read today’s Key Scripture in I John. Not only did Brian claim Jesus as his Lord but he desired to walk with Him in every part of his life, every day. Not just when he “walked” into church on Sunday or into the school on Tuesday or when he “walked” to Wednesday night youth group but every single day and – yes – even during basketball games.
I have always said that more than anything I want Jesus in my life and for others to know Him because I am trying to live as He did. But in all honesty, I don’t always “walk the walk” everywhere I go.
I’ve been to movies where I would be embarrassed if the Lord was sitting next to me. And I have had conversations that Jesus would not want to be a part of because they did not resemble the attitude Christians should have at all.
If I am going to claim Him as my Lord, it has to be a full-time, 100% relationship. He has to be welcome everywhere I go as I look to Him as my example. Period.
I thank the Lord for Brian’s willingness to walk as Jesus did no matter where he is. Even in a basketball game.
My Prayer for Today:
Father, I long to walk as You did so that others see You through me. May You be a part of my life every day. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Reflection:
Do you have any places that you do not “take” Jesus with you during the day or week?
Application:
Journal your schedule for a week and see if there are times that you do not “walk as Jesus did.”
Write today’s power verse on a note card, put it in your purse and pull it out wherever needed to remind you to follow the example of Jesus.
Power Verse:
I John 2:6 (NIV) “Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.”
I Corinthians 11:1 (NIV) “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.”
Matthew 5:16 (NIV) “In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”
(For more of Nancy Hughes' writing and information about her books, check out her website)
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