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The Modeling Atmosphere - The Catwalk of Christianity
Brian Mashburn
September 30, 2007
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The Atmosphere of Modeling
Two weeks ago a family came forward with their son, who is one of Shade's friends. Shade went to them, as is his habit now (right along with Hali Thompson), and he squeezed through the crowd surrounding the family to get a hand on his buddy. They smiled and waved to each other.
Then Shade pulled back from the crowded scene. He stood up outside the circle, like I was. He looked over his shoulder at me, saw that I was standing casually with my hands in my pockets, then turned back around and put his hands in his. You see what he is doing? He's trying to figure out what it "looks like" to love people in that setting. Whether I like it or not, he is looking at me to model Christ's life for him. God help me.
And God, help us. We as the church of Christ are supposed to be a model of what Kingdom living looks like. When people hear the teachings of Jesus, they will wonder what they look like practically applied, and they should be able to look at you to find out.
What a triple blessing this is! Imitating Jesus not only makes us obedient to Scripture, it not only gives us the best possible life available to us as human beings, but it is also exactly what we need to do in order to create an atmosphere of life to help the world come to Jesus Christ.
No wonder John said, "Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did." (John 2:6) And no wonder Paul said, "Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ." (1 Corinthians 11:1) And no wonder Christ said, "I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you." (John 13:15)
Let it be said of us what was said of the Thessalonian church that was of Christ: "And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. The Lord's message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia-your faith in God has become known everywhere." (1 Thessalonians 1:7-8)