Walk

“Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Ephesians 5:1,2

A lot of us still think we need to sacrifice to get on God’s good side. Those who think that way, and I fall into that trap occasionally, are just wrong. The sacrifice that matters has already happened. Yet the apostle Paul here urges us to “follow God’s example;” but that thought is not so much about the “offering and sacrifice” that Christ loved us with but about “the way of love.” Paul give Christ’s example of “a fragrant offering and sacrifice” as the ultimate example of love.

If you are in Christ, you know you have been so loved. And nothing can take that away from you. (visit Romans 8:38-39; John 10:29). But we are to follow in the example of love. And at times it will mean offering and sacrifice – not so much to God, but to others. There is a cost to being a follower and truster in Jesus.

Think of people you know who have made sacrifices to follow Christ. Think of the thousands, if not millions around the world today that face intense persecution simply because they profess the love and truth of Jesus Christ. They do so not to please or appease God; they do so as a response of being “dearly loved children.’

What has being a Christian cost you? How have you had to offer yourself or sacrifice because of the One who gave himself up for…you? And if you can’t count any cost for walking in the way of love… are you really walking?

Walk on friends. Have a great Monday.