Followers of Jesus are imitators and models. They imitate Jesus. They model his lifestyle before others. How closely are you following Jesus? How well are you demonstrating his purpose?

Paul points out how these early believers lived what they said they believed. He begins here in the opening to the first letter, particularly verses 8-10. He continues in 2:13-15 and in 3:6 and 7. Still more is found in 3:10-12. Paul encourages them to double down on what they are already doing in 5:11. Skipping on to 2 Thessalonians 1, Paul begins by bragging about them in verses 3 and 4. 

Pause and ponder as you read these snippets. Where do you match these early believers? Where do you need to grow?

People do what people see. Let us look ever more to Jesus and to those who follow him closely and model him well. 

Those we influence will carry something of us into their relationships. What will they embrace that looks like Jesus? How will others see Jesus in them because they have been with us?

Imitate Jesus. Model Jesus.

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I will imitate and model Jesus.

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