Written by Kim Solis, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries
This year, IRSM’s goal is to encourage women to be wise, hear God’s Word, and put it into practice. Doing this, we are building our house upon the ROCK (Lk 6:46-49).
The idea of a rock comes up many times in Scripture. In Matthew 16:18, Simon’s name is changed to Peter (which means rock), and Jesus tells him that on the rock of his confession that Jesus is the Christ, the church will be built. Years later, in his first epistle, Peter will again mention a rock.
In 1 Peter 2, he tells us about the living stone and then says that we are built up as living stones to form a spiritual house, one that will proclaim His excellence as sojourners—ones who keep their conduct honorable so their good deeds may be seen, God may be glorified, and foolish people silenced. But Peter warns there are times when we will need to be subject to masters who are unjust, and we will suffer.
It is in this context that Peter pens the famous words that have become titles of books (In His Steps by Charles Sheldon is a quick and interesting read) and initials on bracelets with the WWJD (What Would Jesus Do) campaign:
“For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps” (1Pe 2:21, ESV).
What would Jesus do? Well, Peter thought you might ask. Just read the following verses. Even when suffering unjustly, He did not sin. He did not speak deceit. He did not respond in anger or with threats. He simply trusted God to judge justly.
Jesus was a revolutionary then, and His words continue to be so today.
But they are taking advantage of me! Go the extra mile (Mt 5:41).
But they are verbally slapping me with their scorn and accusations! Turn the other cheek (Mt 5:39).
Politics, opinions, laws, social media – our world is more divisive than ever (or at least so it seems). Treat others as you would have them treat you (Lk 6:31). Love your neighbor as yourself (Mk 12:31). It doesn’t matter who they are, what they believe, or how they act. Love your enemy (Lk 6:35).
Walk as He walked. Treat as He treated. Love as He loved.
With the rise of social media, we often say we “follow” someone when all we really do is observe what they do or say and give it a thumbs up to indicate approval. Occasionally, if we really admire the person, we may buy a product they endorse, watch a movie they are in, and maybe even repost a catchy phrase they use or mirror our fashion after theirs. But that is the extent of our “following.”
But what if you were hired to portray this person in a movie? What would you do to study their voice inflection, habits, and mannerisms? If you really wanted to present an Oscar-winning performance, you would have to convince the public that they were actually watching the original person, not just some random fan.
In 1 Corinthians 11:1, Paul says, “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.”
Imitators. The type of followers who step in the exact footprints, with the same actions, the same words, and the same attitudes.
I yearn to be a wise woman, one who builds her house and life on the Rock. Do you?
Let us cling to the Living Stone, allowing Him to build us into a spiritual house, glorifying God with His light that shines through us.
We are portraying Jesus to the world and when they see us, they shouldn’t just see an avid fan, they should say: “She looks like Kim, but she sure doesn’t act like her. If I didn’t know better, I would say I’m seeing Jesus!”
Let me leave you with a few Common Threads to consider:
- What is lacking in your portrayal to reflect Jesus to the world?
- Is there something in your actions or attitude that keeps sneaking through and hampering your imitation of Christ?
- How can you study Jesus to better portray Him to those around you?
