"Whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked."
1 John 2:6
I received a devotional via email today that spurred some thoughts on inspiration. It's objective was to remind us to be careful where we look for inspiration, to be sure that the people who influence us are those who can be counted on to lead us in the paths of purity and righteousness, and to pray that our heads would only be turned by those who both preach and practice godliness.
What an excellent reminder!
"Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm."
Proverbs 13:20
In our moment of history it has become possible to "walk" with, be "companions" with total strangers...people we have literally never met and do not see in the flesh because of the internet's accessibility and especially social media. The broadening of our sphere of influence increases exponentially as a result, allowing a yoking of sorts with countless people (or at least a portion of their lives revealed). This, in and of itself, doesn't have to be wrong. In fact, the internet can potentially be very inspiring for good like the devotional I received today.
But, it is due our attention to cautiously examine where we find our inspiration.
Who do we spend time with? Who do we look up to? Who do we observe? What do we read? ...and so on.
"Can a man carry fire next to his chest and his clothes not be burned?"
Proverbs 6:27
It's important to stop and take note of these things because we live on a slippery slope called the world. It grabs our attention,
draws us in, and often makes light (literally) of things Jesus called darkness. It's a tough place for a Christian to be.
"Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for [the Lord] has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.' So we can confidently say, 'The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?' Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith."
Hebrews 13:5-7
I'm reminded today that our innocence and our children's innocence is worth guarding, that we sinners are prone to wander, that we in our humanness need to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus if we want to be followers and imitators of Him. The time that we spend observing, fixating on, or being inspired by anyone or anything else should be viewed through a biblical lens and scrutinized. Specifically, we ought to be imitators of Christ and those who resemble Him, commit their lives to striving to be like Him. Jesus should be our role model along with others who encourage us to have hearts and lives that look like His. May He help us all in this worthy endeavor!
"Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ."
1 Corinthians 11:1
It is, after all, a deceptively slippery slope we stride. Therefore, may we keep the Bible open with our gaze intently upon it and likewise the draw of our hearts. May we desire to look like Jesus and by His grace find others who motivate us toward that end. May we have the courage, awareness, and stamina to shield ourselves and our children from the inundating influences all around us that counter the compass of Scripture. And ultimately, may Christ and the Word of God be our source of inspiration.
"You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet. “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."
Matthew 5:13-16
