Is Jesus my role model?

Yesterday I came across a video asking a simple question: is Jesus my role model?  Take a look:

1 John 2:6: Whoever claims to abide in [Jesus] ought to live (just) as he lived.

I find this video very challenging, because as a 21st century American, my life doesn't naturally aim toward humility or servanthood.  Far too often, its a daily power struggle.  Even the little things like taking out the trash or loading the dishwasher become a bitter internal battle -- "It's not my turn.  I did it last time.  It will be okay if the trash isn't taken out today.  The dishes will be fine sitting there overnight."

My choice boils down to 1) do I serve my family as Jesus would, imitating his servanthood? or 2) do I become caught up in keeping score?

Thursday Inspiration - think of these things

Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. – Philippians 4:8

This one scripture verse seems to be the reverse of our popular culture’s focus. Charlie Sheen’s antics get more press than the parent whose sacrifices go untold, a child’s innocence, or a toddler’s wonder at the world. We should think of things that are true, honorable, and just, not of the singer who trashed a studio room or the football player who was thrown out of a mall. By starting to think of these things that are pure, lovely, and gracious, we are invited to go one step further and think about the Giver of all that is worthy of praise – God. And what we think about changes who we are and how we act. Maybe it’s just me, but when I consciously fix my mind on God, I love better, even though I love imperfectly and not always.

What is honorable, just, pure, lovely, gracious, excellent and worthy to be praised in your life?  Think about these things and praise God for them.

Friday Inspiration - March Madness

The LORD is close to the brokenhearted, saves those whose spirit is crushed.

Psalm 34:19

It’s March Madness. Basketball is (always) on TV and you can even watch all the early round action online. Fans love the last second shots and wild swings during games. But take a look at the losing players. They’ve poured their blood, sweat, and tears into the sport over the course of their life. God-given abilities coupled with hard work and dedication netted them a free education, yet the moment after a buzzer beater, their spirits are crushed and their hearts are broken.

We all feel like crushed at times: when our reality doesn’t match up to what we had hoped for; when our hard work and dedication goes unnoticed or is unrewarded; when our closely held dreams and desires are dashed; when we hear of the tremendous suffering in Japan. But the Lord is close to us when are our hearts need mending. Jesus has a special love for those who approach humbly and in pain. Jesus saves; but Jesus also heals and raises from the dead. Our life, our families, our world is never past the point no return to the Lord.

Thursday Inspiration - Wait for the LORD

Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD! - Psalm 27: 14

I don’t think waiting for the Lord is quite the same thing as waiting in line at the grocery store. God doesn’t somehow pay less attention to us because we’re behind someone else in a queue. No, we believe God loves us all, all the time. Waiting for the Lord engages a different part of who we are, a part that might not come alive as we wait in a line: our hearts. When we wait, we take a pause to pray and allow God to be God. Wait for the Lord’s love – choose not to let that one person at work get to you. Wait for the Lord’s courage – choose to make that tough phone call. Wait for the Lord’s strength – that difficult decision won’t be any less difficult, but God is there. All requires heart-strength; all requires God’s grace. Be strong and wait.