Follow God’s example

Jason Nelson

Reading the Bible upside down can be very discouraging. Focusing on the warnings, judgments, and bad acts of chosen people can diminish one’s appreciation of Christianity. But these are not to be ignored because that is how God builds accountability to him into our consciences. Reading the Bible right side up lights the flame of faith and moves us in the direction of godly living. The gospel is knowing who Jesus is right side up.

There was never a downside with Jesus. His love for sinners was on display in how he lived his life, in his willingness to suffer and die for them, and in his divine ability to overcome death. He promised to be with us always. Seeing Jesus right side up is what moves us to follow—to want to be Christians.

Jesus possessed every human trait we admire, and the fullness of God dwelt in him in bodily form. To be his chosen friends motivates us to live for him. People are inspired by watching others. Children are inspired to become great musicians or athletes because they watched great musicians or athletes in action as they were growing up. Children of God become humble servants by carefully watching the humblest of servants. We look to the pages of Scripture and at the lives of other Christians to see Jesus in action.

“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).