Be Better

“Be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”- Ephesians 5:1-2

Is anyone needing a “pick-me-up” amid this pandemic? I have a prescription that is sure to bring some levity and laughter your way. Some years ago on an episode of The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, special guest, Will Smith, provides the most epic entrance (here is the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w74Zjj47HzI). The megastar does a handful of takes to get it just right, so the audience gets his very best.

As I think about this clip, it brings more than a light-hearted laugh, but a life-giving lesson to us. There is a spiritual principle in this simple skit. There are certainly areas in our lives as we walk through what seems like a long, dark, and uncertain valley, where the Holy Spirit is calling us to RISE UP and BE BETTER AS WE WALK WITH JESUS. In 1 Corinthians 10:31 the Apostle Paul calls us to a life of righteousness even in the everyday routine, “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”

We are called to walk as Jesus walked, to love as Jesus loved, to do what Jesus did. As you may have much more time on your hands, can I encourage you to stop and do an INVENTORY on the following areas where the Lord is calling you to do it right, give your best, and UP YOUR GAME?

1) Spending time with God in prayer and worship, reading the Bible, and resting in His presence.

2) Treating others with love and kindness.

3) Being present for the people in your home.

4) Watching what comes out of your mouth.

5) Being bold in sharing your faith, loving, and praying for others.

6) Confessing areas of pride and selfishness.

7) Resisting temptation and repenting for areas that keep tripping you up.

Let us move through these days with the right attitude, spirit, and actions that bring out the best in us and bless those around us. These days are most certainly long, but they will be undoubtedly more pleasant when we move through them moving in harmony with the Holy Spirit and loving more like Jesus.