By Gina Caswell Kelly
Follow Me. Something Jesus often said to people during His life here on earth. He still says it today. Over and over in the Bible, it will say something to the effect of follow me, or imitate my faith, or do like I do. It is usually quoting Jesus, or written by Peter or Paul, both members of the Top Ten group of Bible characters. In my Bible, beside many of those, I have written, “Is my life worth following?” Or, “Is my life one worthy of imitation?” I am afraid I fall very short in many areas.
I had a wonderful 5th grade teacher. Mrs. Carpenter. I loved her so much, and she loved me. I remember, a while after she had been my teacher, she had a baby girl. I went to her house to see the new baby. I will never forget Mrs. Carpenter holding that baby and saying, “Now Allison, this is Gina. She is who I want you to grow up and be just like.” I was no older than 11 or 12 at that time, but her words stayed with me. So many times I would think, “Is this something I would want Allison to imitate?” It kept me on the straight and narrow for many years! I saw Allison again one day at her mother’s funeral a few years ago. I introduced myself to her. She said, “Oh my gosh! I have heard about you all my life. I always was supposed to act just like you!” I had to laugh. I clearly made an impression on her mother!
But, my point in this is to say we should all be living lives worth following. Lives worthy of imitation. If someone is not sure what is the right thing to do, they should be able to look at us, as Christians, and find some guidance. There are lots of things we can do, but not everything is something we should do. The world wants to teach us to do what makes us happy. I am going to tell you something right now. If you have never heard this before, I am sorry to burst your bubble. No where in God’s Word does it say, “Thou shalt do what makes you happy.” No where does it say, “Nobody else matters. You do you.” God intends for us to live our lives in a way that draws people to us and to Him. And happiness does not last. Joy does. Joy comes from a life of following God. Happiness usually comes from your surroundings. Joy comes from inside.
So, let me ask you. Is your life one that people could follow and find joy? Are you living your life in such a way as to bring people to know Jesus. Just follow God. Follow His Word. If you aren’t sure about what to do, find someone who is living a life of “followship” with God and do what they do.
Live that life that brings you joy, and brings others to know the Savior. It will make a difference!
