1 Peter 2:21-23, To Follow the Steps of Christ

1 Peter 2:21-24 “To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.” When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.”

Many people call themselves “Christians” in the world today, but its easy to name a religion.  There is  Islam, Buddhism, Asatru, Zoroastrianism, Baha'i, Tao, Eckankar, Rastafarianism,  Judaisim, and of course Christianity. Of course the word “Christian” literally means “Little Christ” and was a derogatory term for those who followed Christ.  The word came about because people saw how believers lived, they saw how these Christ-followers acted, and they saw how believers spoke and they were amazed. How could any group do such a thing?

Pliny the Younger, an administrator in the Roman government wrote a letter to the Emperor around 112 AD, where he spoke of Christians. He wrote “They [followers of Christ]...bound themselves by a solemn oath not to do any wicked deeds, never to commit fraud, theft, or adultery, never to speak falsely nor deny a trust/promise when called to deliver it...”

When was the last time we heard such words outside the church spoken about us? Do we really follow in the steps of Christ. When insulted do we stay silent or do we retaliate? Do we speak untruth at any time (even if only to assuage someone's insecurities)? Have we ever taken advantage of a loophole or something like that? Do we use any foul language even in the most extreme of circumstances? When we find ourselves in trouble with anyone do we meekly accept or do we fight it? Have we waited until it was advantageous to ourselves to keep a promise? Do we really follow Christ? Or do we just appear to?

Do we do all the right things or not? More importantly do we do them with a right heart? Do we do them because its what Christ would do in that situation or because its what people expect us to? Do we have pride in our Saviour or do we have pride in our moral and upstanding lives?  What is the impetus that drives us and motivates us? These are questions that we must ask of ourselves and no one else can answer. They are deeply personal questions and require deeply personal answers. For every single action we take we must ask anew as well since otherwise we deny that our motives can change from situation to situation.  Following in the footsteps of Christ is difficult and it is so very easy to find ourselves slightly off the path and following another set of footprints.

This week therefor, lets make every effort to determine our reasons, our motives, our drives, and lets re-evaluate ourselves to ensure that we stay true and honest to our Lord. Its hard, but very worthwhile!

More like Jesus would I be, let my Savior dwell with me;
Fill my soul with peace and love—make me gentle as a dove;
More like Jesus, while I go, pilgrim in this world below;
Poor in spirit would I be; let my Savior dwell in me.
                                                                           Fanny Crosby, 1868.