Daily Manna (Coffee with Jesus)

Peter, A Breath of Fresh Air

We become who we think about most. In these days of winding up mom and dad’s estate sale, I have been remembering and thinking about mom and dad and how they responded to life. The more I think about them, the more I am responded like them. Crazy, isn’t it. We do things our parents did that we said we would never do and there it goes. I open my mouth and mom’s words come tumbling out. That’s how it goes. Who we think about most is who we will imitate.

It is the same with Jesus. THINK like Jesus by reading what he said and meditating not only on the words but the loving, gracious attitude saturating those words. Jesus always took people back to God’s Word, His commands, for our best. This is called a Biblical worldview for our day and time. A Biblical worldview is thinking like Jesus. It is a way of dealing with the world such that we ACT like Jesus, twenty-four hours a day, because we THINK like Jesus.

It’s like having a pair of special eyeglasses we wear that enables us to see things differently, to see things from God’s point of view, and to respond to those perceptions in the way that He would prescribe if He were to provide us with direct and personal revelation.

At the risk of seeming simplistic, it is asking the question, “what would Jesus do if He were in my shoes right now?” and applying the answer without compromising because of how we anticipate the world reacting. It’s not worrying about what others will think. It is seeking God’s approval and His best.

The story of Jesus’ life gives us a sense that there were four elements working together that facilitated His worldview. First, He had a FOUNDATION that was clear, reliable and accessible. Second, He maintained a laser-beam FOCUS on God’s will. Third, He evaluated all information and experiences through a FILTER that produced appropriate choices. Fourth, He acted in FAITH. Ah, this is helpful, isn’t it? Now, let’s read deeply the words of help Peter provides with God’s guiding…

1 Peter 4, The Message

Learn to Think Like Him
4 1-2 Since Jesus went through everything you’re going through and more, learn to think like him. Think of your sufferings as a weaning from that old sinful habit of always expecting to get your own way. Then you’ll be able to live out your days free to pursue what God wants instead of being tyrannized by what you want.

3-5 You’ve already put in your time in that God-ignorant way of life, partying night after night, a drunken and profligate life. Now it’s time to be done with it for good. Of course, your old friends don’t understand why you don’t join in with the old gang anymore. But you don’t have to give an account to them. They’re the ones who will be called on the carpet—and before God himself.

6 Listen to the Message. It was preached to those believers who are now dead, and yet even though they died (just as all people must), they will still get in on the life that God has given in Jesus.

7-11 Everything in the world is about to be wrapped up, so take nothing for granted. Stay wide-awake in prayer. Most of all, love each other as if your life depended on it. Love makes up for practically anything. Be quick to give a meal to the hungry, a bed to the homeless—cheerfully. Be generous with the different things God gave you, passing them around so all get in on it: if words, let it be God’s words; if help, let it be God’s hearty help. That way, God’s bright presence will be evident in everything through Jesus, and he’ll get all the credit as the One mighty in everything—encores to the end of time. Oh, yes!

Dear Heavenly Father, Be our foundation, focus, filter, and faith today. Help to think more like You and behave in ways pleasing to you. We are listening…Blessed be the name of the Lord. MayYour Glory reign in us!
In Jesus Name, Amen