Consider for a moment, an earthly example of the tremendous transformation we undergo when we commit our lives to Christ. Imagine that before knowing Jesus you were a caterpillar and after inviting him into your life as your Lord and Savior you have become a butterfly. Now consider your life as a Christian. Do you always act as the new creature you’ve become? Or do you sometimes grovel as a caterpillar instead of soaring as a butterfly? Imagine seeing a beautiful, graceful butterfly groveling on the ground amidst the dirt and a leaf, feeding as a caterpillar does; devouring everything in its path, seeing as a caterpillar does; only what is in front of him, walking as a caterpillar does; unable to soar above his circumstances. That doesn’t mean that accepting Christ exempts us from experiencing hardships and sorrows. Walking with Jesus won’t transform our lives into carefree perfection. In fact, our butterfly wings may even become bruised or broken but as Christians we are forever transformed through His grace and mercy. It is our job to remember that we are new creatures and to act as new creatures do.
While our actions may not always reflect the transformation God has promised, He has given us a standard for our actions. The popular phrase WWJD (What Would Jesus Do) has become a trendy slogan that adorns bumper stickers and t-shirts, but it actually strikes at the heart of the matter. It asks of us the simple question: Are my actions Christ-like? Much more than what we say, our growth and strength in Christ is measured by what we do—What do your actions say about you? And more importantly, what does God expect of our actions? In His Holy Word, God provides us with a remarkable guide; He has given us an instruction manual for transforming our actions. In our Christian walk, God wants us to:
-Act with thanks. I Thessalonians 5:18 says, “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”
-Act with the knowledge that Jesus is with you. Matthews 28:20 says, “…lo I am with you always even unto the end of the world.”
-Act with the knowledge that God will- “Strengthen and make you what you ought to be and equip you with everything good that you may carry out His will;” Hebrews 13:21AMP
-Act with the knowledge that both good and bad circumstances will work out on your behalf “..we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28
-Act like over-comers. Romans 8:37 says, “Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.”
-Act like victorious Christians. I Corinthians 15:57 says, “But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
By continually seeking God, studying and applying His Holy word, we will experience a transformation in our Actions! And when our actions become more Christ-like, we grow stronger in our faith, become closer to God, and learn to soar above any and every circumstance that comes our way.
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