It has never been easy to live for Jesus. It was not easy in the first century, and it certainly is not in the twenty-first. But it is easier than dying for Him, regardless of the century in which one lives. He died for us, and many have died for Him. Stephen, James, Peter, Paul, and most of the other apostles died as martyrs in one way or another. Yet, in doing so they were only following the example of their Lord.
We may never be called upon to die for Jesus, but we must live for Him until we do die. (Rev.2:10) Living for Jesus requires purity of heart and life. It is doing what Jesus would do, saying what He would say, going where He would go, and being what He would be. Not only did He show us how to live, but He told us how to live. He left us His example and His teaching. (Acts 1:1) When we follow them, we are following Jesus.
When He washed the disciples’ feet, He said, “For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you.” (John 13:15) On the same occasion, He said to His disciples, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; even as I have loved you, that you also love one another.” (John 13:34) Even in suffering and hardship, we must follow Jesus’ example. “For to this you were called, because Christ also suf-fered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps.” (I Pet.2:21) If Je-sus is the Lord of our life, we will follow Him in life, and unto death.
T. O. Chisholm wrote the following familiar words that we often sing…..
“Living for Jesus a life that is true
Striving to please Him in all that I do;
Yielding allegiance, glad-hearted and free,
This is the pathway of blessing for me.”
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