Jesus: The Only Model to Follow
About two weeks ago, I wrote an article titled Peace with God in a High-Stress Society. After sharing the link to the article on Facebook and Twitter, I received several encouraging comments about how the article was helpful. Unfortunately, I'm not good at modeling this behavior. Recently, I have been overwhelmed with work responsibilities and homework for my own graduate school classes. I'll admit: I have not been at peace with God.
As a first-year educator and graduate student, one of the first things I was told is that successful teachers model appropriate behavior as well as academic performance for students before expecting the students to perform any task. For instance, if I want my students to treat each other with respect, I should model for them what respectful interaction looks like in the particular setting we are in. If I want my students to write a five-paragraph essay, I should model for them how to write a five-paragraph essay before ever asking them to do so.
From time-to-time, I struggle to implement this in my classroom. More often than that, though, I fail to implement successful modeling in my spiritual life.
Thankfully, Jesus is a much better model for us. God himself came down and showed us the exact way we are to live in this life. If we continue to go back to Jesus' example, then we will see where we are falling short.
Looking back at Peace with God in a High-Stress Society and comparing how I have handled myself over the past few weeks, it is obvious that I am not living in the same type of relationship with God that Jesus did. Jesus constantly designated time to spend alone with God; I have not. When Jesus faced trials, he did not forget who was in charge: I have forgotten.
Lord, please forgive me for losing my focus over the past couple of weeks. I let the worries of this world overwhelm me and make me forget who is in control, who is most important in this life, and that is you, God. Father, never let me forget that you are, and that you are Lord. Help me to always place you first and to set aside time to spend with you every day. Jesus, help me to follow the example you set while you were on this earth. Spirit, bare the fruit of peace in me. Amen.
As a first-year educator and graduate student, one of the first things I was told is that successful teachers model appropriate behavior as well as academic performance for students before expecting the students to perform any task. For instance, if I want my students to treat each other with respect, I should model for them what respectful interaction looks like in the particular setting we are in. If I want my students to write a five-paragraph essay, I should model for them how to write a five-paragraph essay before ever asking them to do so.
From time-to-time, I struggle to implement this in my classroom. More often than that, though, I fail to implement successful modeling in my spiritual life.
Thankfully, Jesus is a much better model for us. God himself came down and showed us the exact way we are to live in this life. If we continue to go back to Jesus' example, then we will see where we are falling short.
Looking back at Peace with God in a High-Stress Society and comparing how I have handled myself over the past few weeks, it is obvious that I am not living in the same type of relationship with God that Jesus did. Jesus constantly designated time to spend alone with God; I have not. When Jesus faced trials, he did not forget who was in charge: I have forgotten.
Lord, please forgive me for losing my focus over the past couple of weeks. I let the worries of this world overwhelm me and make me forget who is in control, who is most important in this life, and that is you, God. Father, never let me forget that you are, and that you are Lord. Help me to always place you first and to set aside time to spend with you every day. Jesus, help me to follow the example you set while you were on this earth. Spirit, bare the fruit of peace in me. Amen.
Labels: Spiritual Musings
posted by Justin | 2:58 PM
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