Christ is our example

"...if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps." 1 Peter 2:21-22 Christians are not left this world to fend for themselves as they live their lives. From the text, the Apostle Peter described how Christ left us an example. He endured trials and persecutions. He did all these so you could look at His life and realize that godly living is possible. Christians that followed His example has provided you an inspiration and a witness to a life of faith in God. "Therefore since we are surrounded by so great a crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip of every weight that slows us down" Hebrews 12:1. The Apostle Paul himself urged Christians lived his life following Christ's example. "Follow my example as I follow the example of Christ" (1 Corinthians 11:1). Christ Himself endured suffering because of the joy set before Him (Hebrews 12:2). This is what you have been called for; to follow Christ's example. There is so much consequence to do otherwise. You will miss out living in His will, you will not grow in endurance, and will not experience the joy of following Him. God called you to persevere and true believers will persevere until the end. "I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Jesus Christ, is calling us" (Philippians 3:14). Remove all the hindrances that will not let you complete the race instead look to Christ for He is the one who will show you how and He is the One that will sustain you. "Fix your eyes on Jesus, the Author and Finisher of your faith" (Hebrews 12:2). Blessings, Pastor Noel My-WBC.com Westside Baptist Church Los Angeles, CA