Trinity Methodist Church

The best role model that we have in today's world is Jesus; from within His own life we can learn many new things. He is the best ever example for us to follow. How has his life greatly impacted the society round Him in the past and today?

What are the things that we can learn from His life?

First is about His attitude in approaching the society around Him. His approach was making ordinary things spiritual. For example, water became living water [John 4 ], bread became living bread [John 6:25-50 ]. As a Jesus' follower we need to imitate his example of how he made the impossible, possible, and likewise we too can do the same. Nothing is impossible for us because Jesus sets the example for us to follow.

Second is about His conversation. He is the first to initiate a conversation and not waiting for the other to speak to him. We can see in the gospel of (John 4 ), Jesus comes near to the Samaritan woman and says to her "give me water". From there they begin their conversation until the Samaritan woman repented and gave her life to God. To make our neighbors feel our presence we need to talk to them by showing that they are important to us.

Third is about His attitude towards people of other race or background. He puts aside all the differences between him and those he met. He knew what prejudice others had towards his race and position but he puts it aside. We can read more about his conversation with the Samaritan woman in (John 4 ).

Fourth is about His making himself available to anyone who is in need. He makes Himself available to anyone who comes to see him. He never rejects them but he offers His best service to them, by listening and giving full attention to their struggles.

Fifth is His priority in life. He totally commits His life to the Father who has sent him. He gives full commitment to His task and calling. In His words He always reminds Himself and His listener that His priority is to do the will of His Father who sent Him.

Likewise if we look at Jesus' life very carefully we can learn many other things which can help our ministry. Actually nothing is difficult if we just follow His instruction, learn from His life. Of course we fail sometimes but it is not the end of everything. The epistle of (Philippians 4:13 ) say "I can do everything through Him who gives me strength".

If we are able to imitate all the characteristics of Jesus' life, the people around us are sure to feel God's presence.

Many things happen in our lives without our expectation, and that is why the Bible says "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. (Isaiah 55:8-9 )

This verse tells us that we are limited. We can make plans but it is God who gets things done.

Each day we experience many unexpected things, be it  personal or general. Some may give us so much joy and some do make us feel spiritually down. Personally I confess that I did question God about things that happen in my life. And if possible I wanted immediate answers from God in order to get out of certain situations instantly. Nevertheless God wants me to learn something from it in order that my life may be transformed. It is only God and not any other man or thing that can make changes in my life.

As Christians we need to be open to any unexpected things that may come along the way; whether it causes you to feel spiritually down or not. Personally, I always say "God is just" and He knows what is good for me. He is fair even though I always blame myself and God too. Actually as Christians we do not need to blame anyone.

First, we need to quiet ourselves and allow God's Spirit to minister to our heart, and begin to thank Him for everything. See (1 Thessalonians 5:18 ) "Be thankful in all circumstances. This is what God wants from you in your life in union with Christ Jesus". Though at times it may be difficult for us to thank God when things don't go as planned, He wants us to do so. He says in (Romans 8: 28d) "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him,  who have been called according to his purpose".. [Colossian 4:2-4] Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. ³And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. ⁴Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. ⁵Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity".

Second, we need to come to God and listen to him. What does He want to say to us? Or why does He allow those things to happen in our lives? In (Matthew 11:28 ), Jesus says "Come to me all of you who are tired from carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest". While in (2 Corinthians 1:4 ) Apostle Paul says to the Corinthian church to be thankful in all circumstances because "He helps us in all our troubles, so that we are able to help others who have all kinds of troubles, using the same help that we ourselves have received from God". Remember brothers and sisters do not give up in your time of trouble or difficulty because there are many people waiting for our help outside. Be patient and be strong in the Lord, He has purpose for you and me.

Third, we need to teach ourselves to think positively without blaming God or others. When we begin to train ourselves to think positively in spite of all the unexpected things that happen in our lives, I believe we will be the happiest Christians because we are shutting out any plans or advances of the devil. That is why Apostle Paul reminded the Church of Philippians "to think whatever is true, to think whatever is noble, to think whatever is right, to think whatever is pure, to think whatever is lovely, to think whatever is admirable" (Philippians 4:8-9 ). When we start to think positively about everything in our lives, we will ensured of a healthy spiritual growth. Be positive in anything and everything by being "quick to listen, but slow to speak and slow to become angry. Because anger does not achieve God's righteous purpose". [James 1:19-20 ]

When things go wrong, we always say "God does not love me. If God loves me why does He allow these things to happen again and again in my life?" Remember there is one very powerful testimony in the Bible, which tells us about one who surpasses suffering - his name is Job. Though he went through very difficult times he never committed any sin rather he abided to his belief until the end of his life. How about us today, are you facing any difficulties now? Let us come to Jesus for help "Listen! Jesus says I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come into their house and eat with them, and they will eat with me". [Revelation 3:20 ]