1 Thessalonians 1:8 – The word has gotten around. Your lives are echoing the Master's Word, not only in the provinces but all over the place. The news of your faith in God is out. We don't even have to say anything anymore — you're the message! (MSG)
I used to wonder at Paul's audacity. He said "I exhort you therefore, be imitators of me." (1 Corinthians 4:16 NASB) Imitators of me? Who did he think he was? Then I read today's scripture verse — I am the message!
Ouch! This means that I am someone else's pattern of Christ. If I were a dress pattern, and someone tried to make an outfit based on me, would it turn out like the original? Is the cloth the same? Is the trim what He ordained? Is the thread dependable?
Christ in me — perhaps the only Christ my family, my neighbours, my working companions will ever see.
Prayer: Lord God, ever and always clothe us with the cloth of Christ. Teach us Your designer pattern. Never let us settle for off-the-rack, bargain-basement quality. Help us to be a clear, correct message. Give us the courage to dare to say, like Paul, "Follow me, as I follow Christ." Amen.
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