What Christlike Looks Like

Hebrews 12:2 “We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting Him, He endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now He is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.” 

In my youth I got into a lot of fights. And I thank God that I never bore the worst from any of those fights. But there is one fight, in particular, that would have changed my life for the worst if God had not stepped in.  

I wasn’t saved then. My flesh was a lot stronger than my spirit. But on this particular night, God took over. I was in a room full of other young men. And it was a night where my flesh was telling me I needed to show everyone around who the real man was in the room. But this night would end up different and my life would be changed. This night God’s power enhanced the strength of my Spirit. And the Holy Spirit walked me right out of that room. 

For years I often wondered what those other young men in the room felt when I made the decision to leave. I assumed their thoughts were that I was less of a man when I left. It’s funny, today I see those men, and now, like me, we are all grown up. We speak but the thought of their perspectives would always take me back to that night. 

​Nothing should consume our thoughts that much. We need to ‘...keep our eyes on Jesus...’ The scripture says that He is the “...champion who initiates and perfects our faith...” Therefore, we need Him. When we look at the text and it says that Jesus endured the cross, disregarding what the cross represented at that time, it shows that Jesus stayed focused. He was sent on a mission by the Father. And it was the Father, Jesus was going to do right by, not man. 

I am thankful God stepped in and turned on His gift to me, (the Holy Spirit). From that the man I am and the life I have, was born. The family I have, the position I'm in as a minister, father and husband, all exist because God covered me that evening.  It does not matter to me what others think about the decision I made that night. What matters is God being pleased with me. 

The Scripture continues that because of Jesus staying focused and disregarding man’s perspective of His actions, I should be the same as Jesus and disregard the perspectives of man and move in the direction God has already cleared for me. If you have worries and stress on you that involve what others think about you, leave all that at the cross. Seek first the kingdom of heaven, and everything else will fall into place.  

May God continue to guide, heal, and keep you safe in Jesus’ name. 
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Amen 

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