Walking as Jesus walked by Paul Chappell

Walking as Jesus Walked

by Dr. Paul Chappell

He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.

1 John 2:6

When Charles Sheldon first published In His Steps in 1896, he had no idea that he had authored what would become one of the best selling books of all time. He wrote of a pastor addressing his congregation: “What I am going to propose now is something which ought not to appear unusual or at all impossible of execution. Yet I am aware that it will be so regarded by a large number, perhaps, of the members of this church. But in order that we may have a thorough understanding of what we are considering, I will put my proposition very plainly, perhaps bluntly. I want volunteers from the First Church who will pledge themselves, earnestly and honestly for an entire year, not to do anything without first asking the question, 'What would Jesus do?' And after asking that question, each one will follow Jesus as exactly as he knows how, no matter what the result may be.”

The Christian life is meant to be lived as Jesus lived. “For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps” (1 Peter 2:21). We are called and commanded to be like Him in the world. Yet all too often those who carry the name of Christians are not living like the Lord, but like the world around them. It can be almost impossible to distinguish between those who are supposedly believers and those who have no interest in the things of God. The key to living like Jesus and having a positive impact on the world is found in spending time in His presence—abiding in Him. Jesus told His disciples, “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing” (John 15:5).

Today's Growth Principle: 

The more time we spend in fellowship with God through His Word and through prayer, the more like Jesus we will become.