Prayer Journal

Tuesday, November 18, 2003

Someone has said that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. What do you think: When you act like someone else, aren't you honoring them? Paul knew that it wasn't flattery that makes someone live "right," but rather a sincere desire to be like Jesus. Regardless, when a person knows the Lord and is living for Him, his life will be a pattern others can apply over their own.

All of us who know the Lord undoubtedly want to be faithful to to the end of our life. That doesn't mean we won't stumble from time to time. What it means is that we won't turn around and go back to where we were before we met Jesus. To do that would be plain stupid!

I often take photographs and I especially enjoy taking candid pictures of people. A "candid" is a picture taken where those being photographed aren't expecting it. I've found that the expressions and mannerisms of people involved in candid conversation can be interesting, whereas a "posed" picture is seldom as good.

The reason for this phenomenon is the fact that we tend to act differently when we realize someone's watching us. When we pose for the camera, we try to "put on" the face we want others to see. And when we don't want to be photographed, our expression can reveal that desire without speaking a word.

Hebrews 12:1 makes a remarkable statement about the way we should live as Christians. The entire eleventh chapter is dedicated to the lives of faithful believers who have since died. The twelfth chapter begins with these words, "Therefore, since all these faithful people are watching us from the grandstand, let us then live in such a way we honor their example." (My paraphrase)

I guess that raises a question we should address: Are we living for God to the degree it's a good thing for others to pattern their life after ours?

Just Thinkin'... WebServant

Scripture comes from the Holy Bible, New International Version; (c)1978 by New York International Bible Society

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