Jesus said, “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” John 13:15 (NIV)
Technology is often a challenge for me. I can still remember like it was yesterday, going to my first Teacher’s Technology Conference and feeling so overwhelmed. One of the presenters even talked of “Technological Natives”: those growing up in and proficient at using all the different devices and then of the “Technological Immigrants” like me, who, being in a foreign land, must learn to navigate the World Wide Web, understand an unfamiliar language, and perform tasks that feel beyond our ability. Like I said, a challenge.
Then along comes Kate , our leader at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com and in two days this week she taught me things I hadn’t grasped before in blogging even though I’ve tried. Two days-two skills! The difference you ask? Kate taught by example, showing us step by step each action on her computer that we’d need to make on ours. Seeing it instead of just hearing or reading about it, has made it possible for me to follow her lead and successfully walk through the process myself! Now, it’s gotten me thinking. (You knew that was coming, didn’t you?)
As Christians, we are “Heavenly Natives” living our lives as “”Earthly Immigrants”. We try to navigate the world without being worldly, understand The Word, and carry out the work God calls us to do even though we feel unqualified. And, just as Kate did for those of us trying to master skills in our writing life, we have those who offer us examples to follow in our Christian life, too!
“Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do.” Philippians 3:17 (NIV)
Listening to sermons and reading books by Christian authors have inspired me as I’m learning what it means to be part of God’s family. Jesus gave us the Perfect Example, but there have been and still are things I haven’t grasped. That is, until I’ve seen faith in action! I’ve been blessed with many people from whom I’ve learned more about being like Jesus by watching the ways they’ve acted and interacted day to day. I’m sure you have a list of your own. Their examples show us the characteristics we hope to gain. With God’s guidance and as we follow their lead, they help move us closer to being who we were designed to be. And…that’s got me thinking again!
As we act and interact in the world, people are watching MY example, YOUR example, too! Now, that’s a challenge I think I’ll save for another post!
“And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching.” Titus 2:7 (NLT)
Joining with Kate and the other talented writers at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com as we think about the prompt “Challenge”. I challenge you (and myself) to think about those people in your life who are examples of Christian living and then thank them for showing you the Way! Thanks for taking your time to stop! It means more to me than you know!
I love your analogy! I’m even more old-school–I need to see each step in slow-motion in order to figure it out ;). I’m like that as a Christian, too, sometimes :/.
If there is anyone who IS NOT old school it is you Anita!!! Your tutorials and help along the way have been amazing to me! I am so impressed with your broad knowledge base and your willingness to share! And yes, in my Christian Life I am definitely in need of remedial help!!!! Thank you so much for taking time out of your busy schedule to comment. It means a lot to me!
Well done on learning these new skills! I’m glad you found Kate’s tutorials helpful. I love the link you make too. It definitely helps to see others living out the Christian life and we can learn so much from their example.
I’m so thankful for Kate’s tutorial on a landing page! I’ve tried to figure it out on my own and just couldn’t. She showed us a way to develop one that was much easier than anything I’d found so hopefully for this years 31 Day challenge I’ll actually have one! I am so grateful for those that God has put in my life as examples to follow. I’ve been blessed with many! Thank you so much for taking your time to comment. I always appreciate your thoughts!
Great post! I really liked it. And I think you actually kept it within 5 minutes. I am technologically challenged also. I did not attend the two classes because frankly I would not be able to understand and apply the instructions. I have tried tutorials and I just never understand them so I don’t bother trying any more. My laptop is sitting in the spare room collecting dust. It is not work it and the Geek Squad said for $100+ they can go through it and clean it up for me and get it working. I don’t have $100.00 and I am happy using my iPhone- but it is not a computer it is an iPhone and there are some things you can do on a computer that you just cannot do on an iPhone. So I stick to my blog, FaceBook, Instagram, Gmail, a few games and now this Five Minute Challenge. I am glad the class was a blessing to you though. I would like to do more reading. Can you recommend some of your favorite Christian authors?
Terri (aka Tess)
Ps: Could you please read my blog intoday’s 5 minute challenge and make a comment?
Thank you Tess! I RARELY keep to the five minutes though. I set out with good intentions but the perfectionist in me wants everything to be just so which results in me taking much longer before I publish my post. I appreciate you stopping in!