Here is how one can tell if he/she or someone else, say an elected official, business executive, neighbor, family member, friend, pastor, colleague, educator or anyone else is REALLY a follower of Jesus -
Do you/they follow what Jesus taught, commanded and modeled for living in THIS PART of God's Kingdom?
Paul would say that they should be putting in the world around them -
Agape Love (selfless, unconditional, active commitment on behalf of the OTHER), Joy (not unhappiness), Peace (the well-being, completeness, wholeness of self AND others), patience (not punitive action or intolerance), kindness (not ruthlessness, mean-spiritedness or intolerance), generosity (giving freely, not holding for self, selfishness or exploitation for personal gain), faithfulness (to God and neighbor - the "least" of these, even stranger and enemy), gentleness (not use of force to get what one wants, abrasive words or actions) and self-control (not control over others, dominance over others). (Galatians 5:22-26)
Jesus says they are the ones (NOT who are pure, holy, worship, praise or tithe) who:
Love God with all they have...
Love neighbor, even stranger, enemy and "the least" among us AS much as self
(Matthew 22:34-40; Luke 10:25-37; Matthew 25:31-46)
Those who abide in HIS Word, keep HIS commandments...
Those who deny self, take up the Cross and follow Jesus...
Those who humble themselves and do not take places of honor, prestige or power over others
Those who sacrifice for the sake of others
Those who do not try to serve both God and wealth
Those who accept others from other lands, resident aliens and those of other faiths
Those who do not subjugate or attack women
Those who do not neglect or hurt children
Those who do not ignore the needs of the poor
Those who do not only care about accumulating wealth for themselves
Those who repent from exploiting others for their personal gain
Those who do not judge others, but who do forgive others
Those who show mercy, instead of punishment
Those who do not see their "self-righteousness" as a value of God, but see Graciousness as one
Those who live Agape Love... THAT is how folk will know we follow JESUS...
Anyone who does otherwise but claims Jesus...
Even life-long church goers...
Those running for office...
Those in power...
Those with wealth...
The Bishop or Preacher...
Is a LIAR...
They can claim whatever they want, and they are following some spirit, but it ain't Jesus...
Strive to live what Jesus taught, commanded and modeled for us. THAT makes one a follower of Jesus.
"Why do you call me 'Lord, Lord', and do not do what I tell you?" Luke 6:46
Just sayin'
Pastor Jamie
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