Sometimes trying to determine what God is trying to initiate and how we are supposed to respond can be frustrating. Fortunately, God has given us some tools that are very concrete and easy to discover. First, He has given us the Bible, His written word. In it, we can read the thoughts, heart, and instructions of God. So many miss the beauty of this gift because they believe they don’t have time to read it, won’t understand it, or that it is simply outdated. The truth, though, is that a God who can create the heavens and the earth can certainly communicate timeless truths and principles. As certain as the pull of gravity, God’s word is trustworthy.

The second tool we have been given through the Bible are the life and teachings of Jesus. Jesus told us that He was here to demonstrate and fulfill all of the teachings of the law so that we could live out the same.

“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished. Matthew 5:17–18 (ESV)

For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified. Romans 8:29–30 (ESV)

Jesus not only teaches how to follow Him, but demonstrated it with His life, too. If Jesus is our example, one of the clearest indicators of our spiritual health and identity is this…are you growing in your knowledge of Jesus and are you walking in a way that more closely resembles what we read about in the Bible? Are you learning to love like Jesus, live like Jesus, and are you making disciples of others to do the same?

Where are you? Take time to consider where you are and where you are headed. Be encouraged that God is still the initiator and because of His great love for us, He is still working to bring this about in all of us.

Truth: Jesus is the clearest example of life as God intended.

Question: In what ways is my life being shaped by Jesus’ example?