what happened today

1st training, on Performance Basics.

Devotion, on acting and serving:

When we act, we show others what a person was like, what he did, the kind of person he was. We imitate mannerisms and actions and ways of talking so that people get a clearer picture of this person.

So to truly act well, we have to know a lot about the person we are imitating. We have to understand his character and values, his motivations and concerns.

As Christians we're supposed to imitate God (Ephesians 5:1-2). for instance: the way He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in love. (Luke 6:27-36)

Why are we to imitate God? Because He is our Father. Just as a child imitates her parents in learning to walk, to talk, to brush her teeth (:D), so we are "growing up in every way into Him who is the Head, into Christ" (Eph 4:15). When God redeemed us He also made us new creations in Christ. As we behold God's glory that we see in Christ, we ourselves are transformed! (2 Corinthians 3:12-18)

What is the point of all this transformation? I felt that the passage in 2 Corinthians 5:18-21 explains it. Being made in the image of God and given new life in Christ where once we were dead in sin, Christ transforms us, reconciles us to God, even makes us messengers of that reconciliation. When we act like Christ we show other people, we testify, of the grace and truth that is found in Him. This transformation in us comes from God and is none of our own goodness.

As we begin serving God in this ministry, no matter where it goes or how it develops, let's first consider the example Jesus set us in serving, in obedience to God, that we may walk as He walks.

In the week(s) ahead, may we keep our eyes on Christ, on knowing Him through the things He said and did and commanded, and making Him known. Acting as Christ would, walking and loving people as He does, should not be a forced act or show; it is something we grow up into as naturally as a seed sprouts, or as a vine bears fruit. It is God, our Creator, who does this.