Happy Sunday! I missed my typical biweekly mark for a “Scripture Sunday” post last week, but I have a good one for you today! As you’re reading this I’m still leading Wyldlife kids (kids that participate in my area’s YoungLife ministry for middle schoolers) at Southwind, a YoungLife camp in Ocklawaha, Florida. I’d so appreciate your prayers in my last couple days at camp! As I’m sure you can tell from the title, this is a Christian post, so if you feel that kind of thing’s not for you feel free to continue exploring my blog and find something else you like! Enjoy!
Today’s Verse:
1 John 2:6; Whoever says he abides in Him ought to walk in the same way in which He walked.
I don’t think I’m the only teenage girl, or the most extreme case for that matter, that often finds herself imitating aspects of those around her. I often realize I’ve picked up strange phrases that my friends use. If we’re being honest I have a whole saved Instagram collection of photos I’ve seen other girls on Instagram post that I’d like to recreate on my personal Instagram account. Yes, we hear “imitation is the sincerest form of flattery” and no, I’m not a complete clone of any one person, but do I really want my being to be made up of fragments of other people? Is that really what I want my life to be based on?
While reading the book of 1 John recently, I came across a verse that really struck a chord for me. 1 John 2:6 says “Whoever says he abides in Him ought to walk in the same way in which He walked.” If you’ve met me you’ve probably heard me claim that I follow or “abide in” God. I’m so quick to claim that I’m a dedicated Christian and have a strong relationship with Jesus, but do I act in accordance to this Scripture? If I truly abide in God I should be living my life the way Jesus did.
In writing this I don’t think John meant “if you really love God you’ll die for the world’s sins just like Jesus.” Honestly, I’m fairly certain John knew that none of us could even consistently live the way Jesus did on His average days. Sure, I have some days that I feel really good about who I am and the way I’ve treated others, but those are nothing in comparison to the way Jesus treated others all the time. Not only did Jesus heal the sick (I don’t know about you, but I don’t have miraculous abilities), He called them (and other outsiders) by name. Jesus acknowledged everyone and proved that He wanted to be part of their lives, even when they were rejected by the world.
This week, remember the example Jesus has set for us. As imperfect humans, we are never going to be able to live up to such a standard, but we definitely won’t without God. Lean on God for support, patience, and hope. Start asking yourself the way Jesus would perceive your actions before you even do them. If Jesus were here at this time, wearing Vans and jeans with His friends who have iPhones sticking out of their pockets, would He like the text you’re about to send? Would He encourage you to talk to your parents that way? These thoughts have definitely been shaking me lately.
Thanks for reading! Have a blessed week!
A Pocketful of Faith 
Thanks for this
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