By Samuel Oyejola
Ephesians 5:15-16, [look carefully how you walk! Live purposefully and worthily and accurately, not as the unwise and witless, but as wise (sensible, intelligent people), making the very most of the time (buying each opportunity), because the days are evil. Amp]
As the name ‘CHRISTIAN’, being called after CHRIST, it is self-explanatory.
Jesus Christ, having lived among men, set an example; He left footsteps that Christians should follow. The big question now is, have you studied Christ’s life? Are you following His standard? Is He pleased with your lifestyle? Are you bold to answer that name Christian?
Ephesians 5:15-16 cautions Christians to be careful how they live their lives daily since the days are evil. As a child of God living on earth, you should live with eternity in mind. You should live each day as if it is your last day on earth. Daily live your life with reverence for your Maker knowing that you will give account on the last day.
How are you living that God-given life? Are you pleasing your Maker or are you living to please self? Have you studied the life of your mentor (Jesus Christ)? Do you know what pleases Him? You cannot claim to love God and not know what He loves and hates. John 14:15 gives us a clear picture of what this means. We see Christ display affection and love to even the people who clearly showed hatred for him. How much nonsense can you take for Christ’s sake? Or are you the type that doesn’t take nonsense from anyone?
Despite all Christ went through for our sake, He still asked God to forgive us for we know not what we are doing (Luke 23:34). Can you pray for your enemy? Do you forgive and let go? If you still struggle to forgive and are quick to judge, then it is high time to change your ways. Being a Christian isn’t a licensee for reckless living. You must be ready to experience and identify with the sufferings of Jesus. You will be persecuted, mocked, lied on, and even denied some opportunities because you associate with Christ. Your attitude when faced with trial will determine your victory.
Christianity is not just a religion but a lifestyle. We are commanded to love. To love our neighbours as we love ourselves (Mark 12:31). The exact love we give to ourselves should be the same we dish out. If the lifestyle of Christ isn’t seen in your life, you disenfranchise yourself from the benefit of sonship. As sons and daughters of the kingdom, we are expected to put aside the old life of sin and put on the new life of righteousness in Christ. By this, you become insensitive to the world and as a means of defence, the love of money, pride and hateful passions, will lose their power and cease to influence you.
We must strive with all our strength to become as He is. We must develop the ability to think, feel and do as the Saviour would as we face our earthly experiences. The process of becoming Christ-like is having the willingness and obedient spirit that is submissive to the will of God. Christ, while He was on earth, was always doing the will of His Father. He was never rebellious, disobedient or self-willed. Living for Christ will demand denial – denial of self, friends, parents, etc.; you don’t have a life of your own. Your Christianity has to reflect in everything you do. You can’t be around unbelievers and your presence is not felt. An unbeliever shouldn’t be comfortable sinning around you. Your life has to be a walking bible. People looking at your life, should be changed. If people can’t use your life as a reference point for righteous living, then you have not practiced what you believe.
Christ is a perfect example that all believers should emulate. He showed us how Christians should live among men. He gave us the standard of the life expected from us. He never acted on His own accord but with reference to His Father (God).
Never think Christianity is an easy lifestyle, you will face challenges on a daily basis. Even Jesus had His own fair share of sufferings and we all will identify with His sufferings here on earth. As we go about this journey trying to please the Father, we must bear in mind that persecution will come but we have to follow the footsteps of our Lord Jesus Christ. Never compromise. Don’t backslide. As you remain steadfast, the glory Christ received at the end will be your portion.
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