Re:Verse reading–Luke 3:1-20 (day four)
V. 8 – “Therefore bear fruits in keeping with repentance,”
No one wants to be called ‘judgmental’. In today’s politically correct environment, that would be disaster. Was John judging others? He was teaching that the actions of our life should be in line with the words of our mouth. Our lives should give evidence of the character and principles of God, if we claim a relationship with Him. God’s Word judges us. If the fruits of our lives do not agree with His Word, we are judged. As believers we must learn to recognize ‘fruits that are in keeping with repentance’.
Most of all, we need to examine our lives, to make sure we are producing the right fruit. Can people see in us the character of Christ? As the different people came to John for baptism, they asked how this relationship of repentance looked like in their lives. It’s a good question for each of us to ask…what does a relationship with Christ look like in my life?
It is important to note that if our actions, attitudes and behaviors are not like Christ, we cannot claim that we are His followers. We do not belong to His spiritual team if we don’t share Christ’s characteristics!
In personal and organizational life, we become followers of someone probably because we identify with that person the values and philosophies that we hold dearly in our hearts! Similarly, in spiritual life, we become followers of a spiritual leader or Christ because we probably believe in the spiritual foundation and beliefs they have shared and we have cherished and acted on those beliefs.
Leaders and true followers share the same mission, vision and similar characteristics. True followers do what their leaders do or have done with the highest level of commitment, dedication and engagement! Followers watch what their leaders do; they watch what they say. True followers’ actions and words reflect the actions and words of their leaders!
If we follow Christ, overtime, our actions, attitudes and behaviors must be like Christ. It will be shameful if we claim we are followers of Christ but our actions, behaviors and attitudes do not share Christ’s characteristics and are not in line with Jesus’ teachings!
I guess we should examine our actions and our hearts to see where we are. Do we share Christ’s similar characteristics, or do we need to develop in some other areas so we can proudly claim we are true followers of Christ?
Always good to reflect how far we have achieved in our walk with Christ and how far we have opened our minds and hearts to receive Christ in managing our earthly life and spiritual journey!
Are you curious as I am? I wondered what Jesus did after the age of 12 years until 30 years! If you are curious, check this out!!
What did Jesus do after the age of 12 years until 30 years? | Urantia Book | Urantia Foundation
https://www.urantia.org/urantia-book/faqs/jesus-after-age-12