“These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth” (Revelation 14:4). Jesus is the One we should follow, “leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps” (1 Peter 2:21). He is “the way, and the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). Jesus is the great pattern for everyone to follow, “And he said unto all, If any man would come after, me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me” (Luke 9:23); “looking unto Jesus the author and perfecter of (our) faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising shame, and hath sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2). We need to walk as Christ walked (1 John 2:6). Why is Jesus the One we should fashion or pattern our life after? He was tempted like us, (Matthew 4:1-11; Hebrews 4:15) and did no sin (1 Peter 2:22). He is the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world (John 1:29); He is the Son of God (John 3:34) and lives forever (Revelation 1:18). Salvation is found in Him (Acts 4:12; 2 Timothy 2:10). Truly He is King of kings, and Lord of lords (Revelation 19:16). These are some of the reasons why man should fashion, pattern, and follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth (Revelation 14:4).
The perfect pattern of Jesus describes the Christian life as a life of service to God (Luke 22:42). It is the Christian’s responsibility to serve God, not mammon (Matthew 6:24). Serving God means serving Christ, which in turn, means following and living for Christ (John 12:26). Putting our hands on the plow and not looking back (Luke 9:62). It is mockery to claim to be a servant of Christ while living in disobedience to Him (Luke 6:46). Living for Christ demands us to live differently (1 Peter 4:4). Jesus Christ changes people for good (1 Peter 3:11). Those once enslaved in sin (Ephesians 5:8), now walk in newness of life (Ephesians 4:24). The apostle Peter gives a good insight into the power of pure Christianity changing people in 1 Peter 4:1-5. Being a Christian, our manner of life is different. We do not live the way we did before, “whereas ye were servants of sin, ye became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching whereunto ye were delivered; and being made free from sin, ye became servants of righteousness” (Romans 6:17-18). The Christian is distinctive, “because they are not of the world” (John 17:14)! The Christian dares to be different by the way of life. The conduct of a Christian is a powerful preacher. Let me ask some important questions:
1. Would you verbally proclaim that worship to God is insignificant, Bible study is unimportant, giving time, talent, and financial resources are incidental to Christian living? What do you preach by your manner of life? Elders and preachers should not have to BEG Christians to study, give generously, and attend every time the doors are opened. TRUE SERVANTS DO NOT HAVE TO BE BEGGED!
2. Would you declare the impossibility of apostasy (1 Corinthians 10:12; Hebrews 3:12-13)? What does your conduct preach?
3. Would you preach that erring brethren are not to be restored (Galatians 6:1; James 5:19-20)?
4. Would you preach that the Great Commission is not binding on Christians now (Matthew 28:18-20)? What does your involvement in saving the lost declare?
The conduct of the Christian will either “adorn” the doctrine or it will reveal a lack of dedication to Christ (Titus 2:10). Following our Master is the way we “adorn” the doctrine of Christ! Which are you doing?
What is the difference between those who do not believe the Bible and the Christian who never reads or studies? What is the difference between a man of the world, and person in the church who lives like a man in the world?