Our lives teach and influence others. In order for us to help others grow their roots deep down into Christ, our lives must show the value of our relationship with Jesus by how we live and what we do. You can’t lead what you don’t live. Think about it. How influential will your encouragement of others to observe sabbath be if you don’t observe it yourself? How powerfully will you motivate others to intentionally take quality time to be with God if they never see or hear about you doing it?
How likely is your teaching about kindness, goodness and patience to inspire others when all they see is your short fuse and hear you speak harsh words?
Will people take it seriously to do any of the core practices if you don’t do them yourself? No. If you don’t share who you are, others won’t either. If you don’t invest in people, neither will they. Your words will get lost because you are not modeling with your actions.
It doesn’t mean we need to be perfect, but we must be authentic. What we say is important must be evident in our lives, or at least it needs to be evident that we are trying to make it stick.
What Did Jesus Do?
Jesus modeled this for us. During His life and ministry, He never asked someone to do something He wasn’t already doing. He never tried to convince someone to embrace a concept that He wasn’t already living out. For instance, Jesus taught that when we are treated harshly, instead of getting even…turn the other cheek, pray for those who persecute you and be forgiving. And when Jesus hung on the cross, He did not hurl insults or lash out. Jesus demonstrated in His own life His teaching, by praying to His Father in heaven and asking that they be forgiven.
Jesus didn’t just talk about a new way of life, He showed it. He was the ultimate leader because of the way he lived.
Your Life
How’s it going in your life? Are you living out the 7 core practices? What are you modeling for others? Your life speaks. The question is…what’s it saying? Here are some questions for consideration. Remember, the transformation has to happen in you before it can happen through you.
- What’s your reaction to the statement, “you don’t lead what you don’t live?”
- How does your life demonstrate what you believe?
- If someone were to watch you this week, what would you be teaching them by the way you lived and spent your time? What would they see? What would be missing?
Take the next step
Prayerfully pick one thing that you need to intentionally and regularly do in your life to show others the value and relevance of Jesus. Consider sharing your next step in the comments section below. Share your step with a friend so that they can keep you in prayer and check in with you. Then watch and be amazed at what God will do through YOU!