“Do you want to serve God well? Watch me, and do what I do.” Sounds boastful, doesn’t it? If I were speaking that from my own lips, you might just stop right here. But I’m quoting.
Welcome to “Mornings with Bishop Robert” — thanks for joining me, because I do this for you. My goal is to introduce people to the Jesus they never knew, and help them get to know Him and His word personally – and better ! If our time together today speaks to your heart, then let me invite you to like, subscribe and share it with a friend! Join our email list to get a free copy of my book COUNT TO ONE, get Mornings with Bishop Robert sent directly to your inbox each morning, and lots of other great benefits. Click the link in the description.
So I said I was quoting, and that’s totally true. Actually, from both the Old Testament and the New Testament.
When one thinks of the top military units in the world, Israel’s Special Forces is always near the top of any list. Their officers are trained to lead like Gideon, who story is found in the Book of Judges. In Judges 7 Gideon tells the 300 soldiers who remain with him, “Watch me, and do what I do.”
When Jesus said, “Follow Me” it wasn’t an invitation to vacation on the Sea of Galilee, it was a call to be trained as His disciples.
Paul the Apostle told the church in Corinth, “Follow me as I follow Christ.” It was not a boastful claim, but rather the direction of one who was living his life well in service to his King. When you look at how clearly Paul also describes his struggles, difficulties and failures, the context defines the meaning. Paul is telling us, “Hey, look at me!! IF I CAN DO THIS, then you can too!!!”
Those closest to you get to know you. Very well. The world may think you wonderful in every way, but your inner circle sees your failures as well as your victories. How one deals with both as they serve Christ speaks volumes about who you are.
Today’s verse says REFLECT THE GLORY OF THE LORD
We are to be like mirrors, reflecting His glory. But don’t forget that one may only see something in the mirror if it is close enough! The hotel room where I am sitting and writing this devotional contains a very large mirror. It is over eight feet tall and three feet wide. It’s massive, really. But right now it is not reflecting me. I’ve moved away from it, and am sitting at the desk.
Stay close to Christ, and let Him stay close to you. As you do, He will mold you and shape you, impressing his image upon you. Let Him focus the light of His love upon you. It will reveal what is missing, and also what must go. As you become more and more of who He has created you to be, you’ll reflect more and more of His glory.
And as you do that, you’ll also be better able to teach others to do the same. Not a list of rules but a love-driven relationship. Love leads. Love cleanses. Love covers. Love never ends. Love wins.
The words of Saint Francis of Assisi describe my life to a tee. He said, “I have been all things unholy. If God can use me, He can use anyone.”
Live the kind of life people want for themselves. Walk in His peace. Be His hands, His feet, His voice. May God bring us all to the place where we can say, “Do you want to serve God well? Watch me, and do what I do.”
