One Life Curriculum Week 1: Monday

*These next 4 weeks, we are taking a pause in our usual sermon-based curriculum for you to take time to review our One Life curriculum. We hope this will encourage you and equip you to take steps in sharing your faith with the people around you!

Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did. 1 John 2:6

This could be one of the most humbling verses in all of Scripture. Think about the statement that John made here in this verse. He begged people not just to follow Jesus with their words, but also their actions. The way that we live, talk, and breath should reflect the fact that we have a relationship with Jesus Christ.

Think about this statement and verse in the context of our world. Do those of us who really claim to be followers of Jesus really represent Him well? Some of His last words before He left earth was to, “Go and make disciples of all the nations (Matthew 28:19).” He wanted us to go to the lost and broken, to those who are far from God, to the people who were often forgotten and share His message of hope. He wanted us to follow His example where He often made time for tax collectors, fisherman, the poor, liars and thieves, loving them in spite of the fact they didn’t have it together. Jesus had eyes to see what they might become if they made changes. How many of us do the same? Often, we get bogged down by a person’s current sinfulness that we see only the consequences of their bad behavior. We have to gain the eyes and the heart of Jesus to separate the sin from the sinner. We have to demonstrate a genuine love for those who are far from God.

Many in churches have forgotten that their lives can have a tremendous impact. They tend to see their role of going to church each week as enough. When people take on this attitude, church becomes a country club atmosphere rather than a hospital to care for the hurting and wounded. People see church as a place to meet only their own needs and the needs of their family instead of a place of mobilization to reach the lost. They forget the power each person has to be a light in a dark place.

Living like Jesus means that we have to have a heart for those who are struggling with sin. It means that we make the walk across the room or the intersection to care for them while sharing the good news of Jesus. It is time that we as a church rekindle the fire to Make Christ known.

Moving toward action

Think through where you are at right now with God. Does your life reflect that you love and follow Jesus? Is there an area where you can do better in your faith? When was the last time that you shared your faith in Jesus with another person? The hope is that we will all take a hard look at how our lives can make a difference. When a person realizes that their actions affect and can change the trajectory of another person’s life, they start to make a difference. Let today be that day for you. Describe below what action you can take today.

Going Deeper

1 John 2:3-11 (NLT)