“Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:7-8)
The gospel is analog. It can’t be automated. It will never be digitally delivered. Even if someone hears it on the radio or reads it on a web page, the message itself was written down or spoken by a living, breathing human being who heard it from another one – going all the way back to the biblical writers themselves.
That’s one reason we are convinced that the good news of Jesus is true. We can see with our eyes how it has changed the lives of the people who have taught us about God from his Word. We can see it at work in them. Their lives are evidence that this powerful message is real.
If you look at the Christian leaders you admire who are really living what they teach, don’t say to yourself, “That works for them and not for me.” Look at them and say, “This works for them! Look how God works in them!” Then, we’re told, imitate their faith. Copy them. Follow their example.
It’s the same Christ in you that is alive and active in them. Don’t give up.
Think: Who are the people who have spoken the Word of God to you? How has their relationship with God changed their lives over time? How could you imitate their faith?
Pray: Ask God to help you to imitate the faith of the trustworthy Christian leaders in your life who have definitely been changed by him. Thank him that the same Jesus is at work in your heart.
Do: Pick one or two people you would consider Christian role models in your life and ask them how they trust God and how their faith in Christ has changed them over time.