A friend of mine told this story from their ministry:  

After a few years, Anja, our interpreter, put us in touch with Eduard who used to be the leader of our ministry in Belarus and a good friend. In the meantime, he had moved to the USA as a refugee. He was a truck driver and away from home for two months at a time. He was driving a minimum of 1 100 km every day. 

Out of gratitude for the financial help he had received from South Africa previously, he wished to contribute to the education of children in this country. He sent R34 000.00, enough to sponsor two boys at Calling Academy. This school was started by Christians to make quality Christian education available to children living in poverty. 

We met one of the pupils who was staying with his pensioner grandfather. His father had recently been killed. His mother who lived in the Eastern Cape fell pregnant as a high school girl, giving birth to him. Eduard’s contribution changed this child’s life completely.  

Eduard understands what Jesus came to do here on earth and tries to make a difference as Jesus did. Through his obedience, two children who previously had no opportunity for a quality education now have access to it. 

When one has responded to Jesus’ call and the Holy Spirit has taken up residence within, one cannot help but live a life that reflects Jesus here on earth. 

You want to break away from your old way of life. You no longer want to live that destructive life where others suffer because of your actions. No, you want to live a life where you bring life. 

I think that’s probably the first question a new convert asks: what does such a new lifestyle look like? What should your life look like when you have accepted Jesus as your Saviour and no longer want to do the things the old person did? 

The answer is very simple. Live exactly as Jesus lived on earth. Let Him be your role model. Follow in His footsteps and do as He did when He lived on earth. 

Actually, it is a command: 28And now, children, stay with Christ. Live deeply in Christ. Then we’ll be ready for him when he appears, ready to receive him with open arms, with no cause for red-faced guilt or lame excuses when he arrives. 

Eduard won’t be ashamed or want to run away when Jesus returns. No, he will run to Jesus with open arms and Jesus will hold him. Their embrace will overflow with joy. 

Because Eduard did exactly as Jesus did. 

We must live in such a way that when Jesus arrives here on earth, we too will run into His open arms. We must make sure that we know how Jesus lived here on earth and then live the same way. Let’s make a difference everywhere we go. 

Scripture
1 John 2:24-29 

Reflection
Do you know how Jesus lived?
How would Jesus have lived in you today?
What would He have done differently from you? 

Prayer
Jesus, thank you for the example of how we should live here on earth. But, Jesus, I do not always succeed. Help me through Your Spirit to discern where I need to live differently and then help me live accordingly. Amen.