Live like Christ

Ephesians 5:1-2 (NIV)

1 Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Here we have the exhortation to mutual love, or to Christian charity. The apostle had been insisting on this in the former chapter, and particularly in the last verses of it, to which the particle therefore refers, and connects what he had said there with what is contained in these verses, thus: "Because God, for Christ's sake, has forgiven you, therefore be you followers of God, or imitators of him;' for so the word signifies. [Matthew Commentary]

When New Testament scholar William Lane taught at Western Kentucky University, contemporary musician Michael Card was a student of his, and they developed a friendship that led to a discipling relationship. Card's book, The Walk, describes the intertwining of these two lives that grew out of their days together at the university. William Lane worked to live out the meaning of redeemed life to the fullest extent. But he was not content until he passed it on to others, including Michael Card. Eventually, Professor Lane moved to another university. Years later through a telephone call, Card learned that Lane was dying of cancer. Eventually, the Lanes moved to be near the Cards. As Card tells the story, Professor Lane had a purpose in doing this.

He said to Card, "I want to come to Franklin (where the Cards lived)…I want to show you how a Christian man dies." The Lanes made the move and many months later Cards' beloved mentor died. Lane's life mirrors the teaching of Psalm 15. Those who truly worship God do so with the totality of their being, even the hour of dying.  [Authentic Worship, Herbert W. Bateman, editor (Kregel, 2002), pp. 76-77]

Live as Christ lived, giving himself up for us. Let our lives reflect that of Christ so others can see Him.