“Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me-everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:9 (NLT)
Show Tribute
Have you ever been to a tribute show? You know, one where an artist’s life’s work is to portray someone who is well-known? I recently attended one and I must say, it was an intriguing experience.
While I knew without a doubt that John Denver wasn’t in my presence, at times it sure seemed as if he was. The man on stage looked like him, acted like him, and sounded just like him. I could almost imagine that John Denver was standing right in front of me, singing songs I could remember every word of. Watching and listening to Ted Vigil was a reminder of all I knew and loved about John Denver and his music. And since then, I’ve wanted to hear more, enjoying it now like I was hearing it for the first time.
Did you know that as Christians we are to show tribute with our lives too?
“Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a live filled with love, following the example of Christ.”
Ephesians 5:1-2a (NLT)
“Imitate God.” “Follow the example of Christ.” You and I should make it our life’s work to portray Him to the world.
We should look like Him:
“Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new self, created to be like God-truly righteous and holy.
Ephesians 2:21-24 (NLT)
We should act like Him:
“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)
And we should sound just like Him:
“Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.”
Ephesians 4:29 (NLT)
Is it easy? We know the answer to that question, but we can’t give up. As with any life’s work, portraying Christ takes dedication, practice, and lots of prayer, but as they say, “The world’s a stage and the show must go on.” So, we step out into the Light, living so that whether sitting in the front row or all the way in the back, those watching can almost imagine Jesus standing right in front of them, a reminder that they are known and loved. And then maybe, they’ll even want to hear more.
“He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the LORD.”
Psalm 40:3 (NLT)
I have no “doubt” you’ll find great writing over at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com where others offer their take on the prompt.
I love your analogy. Your verses match your voice so well. Of course, I love John Denver. I always appreciated his music and personality. Nice job on this devotional.
Jane, everyone needs a cheerleader friend like you! I so appreciate your constant encouragement!
PS I have always been a big John Denver fan too! Thanks again.
Love your analogy and reminder of what we should be striving for.
Thanks for sharing.
It was a good reminder for myself too! Thank you for taking your time to be here Sandra. I really appreciate it.
so often our tribute fails…and yet we get up and keep trying don’t we? or rather… at least we should. 🙂 FMF32
When at first we don’t succeed, try, try again! Pretty much how I live life Annette! Thank you for your insight and for stopping by.
It may seem strange, but somehow I both love the thought of being a tribute act to Jesus and simultaneously doubt that my trubute is good enough.
Love your thinking though!
Just stopped by from FMF #17
I don’t think our tribute will ever be good enough until we are worshipping in Heaven. Do you? We just have to do our best with God’s help to show Jesus to those we come in contact with. I appreciate you taking your time Heather to leave a comment.
There are some folks when they hear,
“Look like Christ, as He appeared!”,
think instruction’s very clear:
robe and sandals and a beard.
Now there is something I’ll confess;
I did once think this way too,
and never quite thought through the mess
if everybody, me and you,
were bearded and all dressed the same,
men and women, husbands, wives…
this would all seem very lame,
and quite a misuse of lives
except that we would be implying
that we care, and that we’re trying.
Trying is all we can do! Even if we (I) have to do it again and again. Thanks for sharing your gift with me Andrew!
Your analogy is so good and interesting, and spot on. BTW—I loved John Denver!
Thank you Mitzy! I have always loved him too. It is crazy to me that I can remember every word to his songs and not what I came in a room for! HaHa! I truly appreciate your comment.
Psalm 40 is such a beautiful psalm
I think so too Tara! Thanks for taking time to stop in.