Topic: BE AN EXAMPLE – Bishop Mike Okonkwo Devotional 25 July 2021 [The Redeemed Evangelical Mission]
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BE AN EXAMPLE
“…But be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity” 1Timothy 4:12 KJV
As a believer, Christ expects you to represent Him as His ambassador anywhere you go; not just in church, but also on the street and in the marketplace. Anyone can be good in church, but the critical thing is how you represent Christ out there. In all your interactions with people, Christ expects you to be an example to others.
So how do you treat people? On the streets? Those whom you think are lower than you? As a restaurant owner, how do you treat your customers? As a dress designer, how do you treat your staff? Do you owe your workers salary whilst you are busy spending money? Whenever we say, ‘’let us pray for Nigeria,’’ everyone will want to kill Aso Rock. But in your corner, are you cutting corners? As an office boy, are you collecting money to pass files? Are you collecting bribes?
Beloved, you are the Christ that everyone will ever encounter. That is why the way you treat others matters. Is what you are doing promoting Christ? You food vendor, do you recycle rotten food? You will say, ‘’cook it until the smell goes away.’’ That is not the way to add value to people’s lives. You are called to be example, to show the way to others. When people help you, don’t just walk away, appreciate them. As a tailor, do you cut people’s dress into two and sew one part and keep another for yourself? On the roads, do you want to jump traffic and create more havoc for everyone? When you enter toilet, do you leave the toilet cleaner than you met it, or you just walk away?
Christianity should be practical. Many times, our Christianity is only lip service and I am tired of that façade. I am tired of lip service Christianity. People want to see Jesus in your life. Anyone can carry the Bible! The real deal is how you represent the Jesus of the bible.
Further Reading. 1Timothy 4:1-16
Daily Bible Reading: Morning- Psalms 37-39; Evening- Acts 26