Christlike Mode
April 30-May 1
How do we live in a Christlike mode or mindset, being...
Compassionate...Forgiving...Humble...Loving...Merciful...Understanding....Unselfish...Eager to obey.
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13
We have a powerful provision available to us, which we forget to plug into. The Holy Spirit lies dormant in so many believers. Taking on the "I'll just do it myself" attitude is quite often just asking for failure. Let's take the eight characteristics of Christ I listed in yesterday's devotional and write each one on a card or in our journal. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal two avenues to us...
#1 Is there anything blocking me from hearing the Lord or being filled with the Spirit?
#2 Unfold the "bigger than me" or "obviously heaven sent" proposition in each of these areas, which I can be equipped by the Spirit to carry out and make a difference for the Kingdom this weekend.
Example:
Compassion- to whom does God want me to show compassion to this weekend that is way out of my comfort zone.
But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness. Psalm 86:15
Forgiveness- Jesus never exhibited bitterness or hatred. Holy Spirit reveal this area of weakness in my character and remove the unforgiveness from my life. God heal the wound which led to this, free me from the bondage it brings and allow me to love like Christ.
Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone.
Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Colossians 3:13
Humility-who do I think I am better than? Does my education, car, job, house, clothing, social position get me puffed up? Does my attitude of myself keep me from Kingdom work?
For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted. Matthew 23:12
Love-how often do I stop each day to simply tell the Lord I love him and appreciate the sacrifice he made for me.
We love because he first loved us. 1 John 4:19
Mercy-it is said, "If you want a friend, you must be a friend." Along the same lines, I need to evaluate my actions. Do I cry out for mercy, yet am not willing to offer it to others?
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Matthew 5:7
Understanding-there are so many personalities, so many cultures and various backgrounds. It is difficult to truly offer understanding until we walk in another's shoes. What a wonderful prayer to ask God for wisdom and understanding. Do others see me as an understanding person?
God gave Solomon wisdom and very great insight, and a breadth of understanding as measureless as the sand on the seashore. 1 Kings 4:29
Unselfish-You've heard, "It is my way or the highway." The best living comes when we go God's way, not my way! Unselfish living requires major faith and trust. Give me some of that God, God, living. Help me seek Your plans for this day before mine Lord.
Don't be misled: No one makes a fool of God. What a person plants, he will harvest. The person who plants selfishness, ignoring the needs of others—ignoring God!—harvests a crop of weeds. All he'll have to show for his life is weeds! But the one who plants in response to God, letting God's Spirit do the growth work in him, harvests a crop of real life, eternal life. Galatians 6:7
Eager to obey-God ordained missions are usually out of our comfort zone. Think back to the last thing God asked you to do. Did you eagerly obey, postpone the act of obedience, try to bargain your way out of the obedience, or tell God He had the wrong man for the job?
Jesus replied, "Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching." John 14:23
