How can we practically "follow in His steps" in daily life? Key Verse “For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His footsteps.” (1 Peter 2:21) Understanding the Call • The word “example” (Greek: hypogrammos) pictures a writing guide that children trace. We are invited to trace every stroke of Jesus’ life onto our own. • “Follow in His footsteps” echoes 1 John 2:6: “Whoever claims to abide in Him must walk as Jesus walked.” Our daily pathway is meant to look recognizably Christ-shaped. Five Tracks of His Footprints 1. Humility and Submission – Philippians 2:5-8: Jesus “emptied Himself.” – Practical steps: • Choose the lowest task at home or work without announcing it. • Accept correction without defensiveness. • Start each morning by gladly yielding plans to God. 2. Patience in Suffering – 1 Peter 2:23: “When He suffered, He made no threats.” – Practical steps: • Hold your tongue when mistreated online or in person. • Pray for the one causing pain (Luke 23:34). • Keep doing right even when it is not rewarded. 3. Purity of Speech – 1 Peter 2:22: “No deceit was found in His mouth.” – Practical steps: • Run words through the filter of Ephesians 4:29 before hitting “send.” • Replace gossip with intercession; replace sarcasm with encouragement. 4. Active, Costly Love – Ephesians 5:1-2: “Walk in love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us.” – Practical steps: • Schedule margin to notice and meet needs—rides, meals, child-care. • Give generously, even when the budget feels tight. 5. Servant Leadership – John 13:15: “I have set you an example so that you should do as I have done for you.” – Practical steps: • Wash modern-day feet: clean the kitchen, change diapers, stack chairs. • Lead family devotions or workplace prayer quietly, not for applause. Walking Out His Steps in Common Places • Home: Speak blessings at the breakfast table; forgive quickly after conflict. • Workplace or school: Arrive early, work diligently (Colossians 3:23), and refuse shady shortcuts. • Community: Volunteer where the least noticed gather—the nursing home, the food pantry. • Online presence: Exhibit Titus 3:2—“slander no one, be peaceable, considerate.” • Suffering seasons: Keep Hebrews 12:2 in view—endure by “fixing our eyes on Jesus.” Fuel for the Journey • Daily Scripture intake—“Your word is a lamp to my feet” (Psalm 119:105). • Continual reliance on the Spirit—Galatians 5:16: “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” • Fellowship with believers—Hebrews 10:24-25 spurs us on “toward love and good deeds.” Closing Encouragement Every obedient footfall, however small, presses a fresh imprint of Jesus onto the paths of family, coworkers, and neighbors. Keep tracing His lines; the world will see the shape of the Savior in the dust of your everyday life. |
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