Imitators of Christ

(our theme for October)

 

Galatians 5:25 (NIV)

Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.  

 

In one of my favorite family photographs, a grandfather and his grandson are walking away from the camera, in perfect step.  The grandfather, in his straw hat and denim blues, and the little three-year-old boy in his t-shirt, shorts and baseball cap, are framed by a field of wildflowers as they climb a hill toward it.  Even from behind, it is clear that they are related.  The way they carry themselves is identical.  The man in the picture is my father-in-law, and the boy is my son.  In spite of their contrasting age and size, in their matching gait I see that they are replicas of one another.

 

I have always been struck by the way in which my father-in-law, my husband and his brothers–and  now my son–all walk alike.  Whether this is the result of genetics or learned behavior or a combination of the two, I do not know.  What I know, what I see is that they all have the same build, and the way in which they move in the world is remarkably similar.  My father-in-law is no longer with us, but when I look at my husband or my son, especially when I watch them walk, I see him in them.

 

In today’s scripture, Paul has just described to the churches of Galatia how it is evident when Christ-followers are living according to the Holy Spirit as opposed to their own worldly and physical desires.  He suggests that the evidence is found in the fruit of the Holy Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.  Then he instructs them, since they live by the Spirit, to keep in step with the Spirit. 

 

When I read this verse, I cannot help but think of that treasured family photo.  As a follower of Christ, made in His image, when people look at me, I want them to see something akin to what I see in that picture.  I want others to be able to picture me walking alongside Jesus, in step with him, moving as he would move, loving as he would love.   As the body of Christ, isn’t this our hope, to be so filled with the Holy Spirit, so made—or remade—in God’s image that our actions, the ways in which we live and move and have our being, bear witness to our relationship with and our love for Christ?

 

Let us pray: 

Holy Spirit, we desire nothing more than to walk in step with you.  Form us in your image, so much so that your fruit is evident in every action.  May others see in us a reflection of Christ.  And as we walk with you, may the love of Christ be evident to all.  Amen.

This devotional was written and recorded by Greta Smith.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

If you would like to respond to these devotionals in any way, we would enjoy hearing from you. Our email address is: podcasts@1stchurch.org.

First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.