Devotion 3/25, I pray for the strength to follow You in all I say and do Lord.

Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you.
Philippians 3:17

At first glance it may appear that Paul is being arrogant or bragging by saying this. But he is not, he is trying to give these Christians in the early church an example of how to live lives that are set apart for Christ. Remember that the New Testament was not completed yet so Christians had no Bible as we do to turn to for instruction on how to live their daily lives. They relied almost solely on their leaders in the faith for instruction in life.
We are bought with a price. What was that price, it was the precious blood of Christ. When we accept Jesus as Lord and Savior we became blood-bought children of God. This is not something that God takes lightly! He purchased us and has every right to expect us to live holy and clean lives before Him, which we can do with the power of His indwelling Holy Spirit. If we attempt to live a life of obedience to God on our own strength we will fail miserably every time, but in Him all things are possible (Philippians 4:13)!
We are not our own, He is our Lord and Master so it is our part to obey and say “yes Lord”, Your will be done.
If after knowing this we take our bodies and use them in a sinful way, we are acting as a thief by taking that which does not belong to us. Instead we should use these bodies to glorify God in service to Him, purposing to live lives that are an accurate example of Christ to all those that we interact with each day!

Lord God Almighty, please forgive me, equip me, and make me fit for your service. Please help me, dear Father, as I try to live a life worth imitating as I seek to lead others to Jesus and JESUS-shaped living. I ask for the Holy Spirit’s guidance and strength because I cannot lead with faithfulness, character, and compassion without the Spirit’s power and grace transforming my life. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
I pray for the strength to follow you in all I say and do Lord.
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