You need to take care of yourself before you can take care of someone else.  This phrase is used to support the importance of self care and me time, but this often becomes an ideology completely centered around self. If we wait until all areas of our life are perfectly overflowing. We will never experience the beauty of relying upon God's grace - Emily Rose Massey

SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:

Your Daily Prayer: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/
Your Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/

You need to take care of yourself before you can take care of someone else.  This phrase is used to support the importance of self care and me time, but this often becomes an ideology completely centered around self. If we wait until all areas of our life are perfectly overflowing. We will never experience the beauty of relying upon God's grace - Emily Rose Massey
SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts: Your Daily Prayer: <a href="https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/">https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/</a> Your Daily Bible Verse: <a href="https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/">https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/</a>

Are you a Christian looking for a daily devotional podcast to encourage, inspire, and convict you in your walk with Christ? 7 days a week, The Crosswalk.com Daily Devotional Podcast offers wisdom and insight for applying Biblical truths to the ups and downs of everyday life. Let's study the Bible together and through the experiences of other believers, learn how to apply the Word of God to our lives.

Here’s just some of what we cover in The Crosswalk Daily Devotional Podcast:

☕️ Why the Tongue Can't Be Tamed (And What to Do about It)
☕️ The Quickest Way to an Attitude Adjustment
☕️ Your Birthday: The Most and Least Important Day of Your Life
☕️ Noticing God's Blessings in the Hardest Moments of Life
☕️ One of the Sneakiest Lies Satan Is Telling the Church
☕️ How to Push Through the Weariness of Prayer
☕️ 3 Steps to Take When Facing Temptation
☕️ What to Remember during a Stressful Election Year

If you love what you're listening to on the podcast, be sure to check out our companion devotional at https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/crosswalk-devo/.

Are you a Christian looking for a daily devotional podcast to encourage, inspire, and convict you in your walk with Christ? 7 days a week, The Crosswalk.com Daily Devotional Podcast offers wisdom and insight for applying Biblical truths to the ups and downs of everyday life. Let's study the Bible together and through the experiences of other believers, learn how to apply the Word of God to our lives.
Here’s just some of what we cover in The Crosswalk Daily Devotional Podcast:
☕️ Why the Tongue Can't Be Tamed (And What to Do about It) ☕️ The Quickest Way to an Attitude Adjustment ☕️ Your Birthday: The Most and Least Important Day of Your Life ☕️ Noticing God's Blessings in the Hardest Moments of Life ☕️ One of the Sneakiest Lies Satan Is Telling the Church ☕️ How to Push Through the Weariness of Prayer ☕️ 3 Steps to Take When Facing Temptation ☕️ What to Remember during a Stressful Election Year
If you love what you're listening to on the podcast, be sure to check out our companion devotional at <a href="https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/crosswalk-devo/">https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/crosswalk-devo/.</a>

7 days a week, The Crosswalk.com Devotional Podcast offers wisdom and insight for applying Biblical truths to the ups and downs of everyday life.

The Crosswalk Devotional: A Daily Devotional Christian Podcast

The Crosswalk Devotional

God Uses Empty Cups

In this episode of The Crosswalk Devotional, we explore the powerful truth that God’s peace is not just a feeling—it’s a ruling force that can govern our hearts and minds. As Christians, we are called to let God’s peace guard us, especially in times of anxiety, worry, and uncertainty. But how do we allow His peace to rule our hearts when life is filled with stress and chaos?

Join the Conversation:
We’d love to hear how God’s peace has ruled in your heart during difficult times. Share your stories with us on social media @Lifeaudionetwork or via email. How do you make room for God’s peace in your life? What Scriptures or practices help you to surrender your anxieties and trust in His peace?

SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:
Your Daily Prayer:https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/
Your Daily Bible Verse:https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/

Full Transcript Below:

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. Colossians 3:12-16

As someone prone to anxiety and who comes from a long line of worriers, I’m intrigued by the phrasing of verse 15. I find it interesting that Scripture doesn’t say, “gain” or “discover” the peace of Christ. Instead, it tells us to allow His peace to control, to reign over, and to direct our hearts, the seat of our emotions and intellect. This suggests, even in my angsty moments, that I possess His peace. 

Scripture affirms this. Shortly before His death, knowing all His disciples would soon witness and experience, Jesus said He gave them His peace, indicating that it came not from their circumstances but instead, from Him. We’re also told, in Galatians 5:22 that the fruit, product, or result of the Spirit’s work in us is, among other things, peace.

When I combine these truths with the Bible’s directive to “let” God’s peace reign, I’m invited to consider ways in which I might be resisting this precious gift given me through my faith in Christ. Granted, I recognize there are numerous circumstances, from job loss to health challenges, that can cause us to worry and feel afraid. I don’t want to diminish that. Yet, God has also shown me, often during some of my most unsettling seasons, how much of my anxiety stemmed from the state of my heart. I can’t experience the peace of Christ while actively nursing a grudge, harboring bitterness, or strategizing how to get even with someone who wronged me. The more I ruminate on my offenses, the greater my angst. 

I “let” Christ’s peace rule as I follow the guidance recorded in today’s passage. Verse 1 tells me to focus on and prioritize those things of eternal value, which helps place today’s frustrations in proper perspective. Verses 5-10 tell me to “put to death” or turn from, sinful cravings and self-destructive behaviors. As I do, these “urges” lose their grip over me, making me less apt to hurt others and plunge into the pit of regret. 

Verse 12 reminds me of my secure standing as God’s child. Remembering that I’m His chosen and dearly loved daughter quiets the anxiety that leads to defensiveness. It also helps me rest in the knowledge that my Father has good planned for me and the power to bring His plans to pass. The more I receive His love and grace, the better I’m able to offer others, including those who have hurt me, these same transformative, healing gifts. 

Intersecting Life and Faith

To summarize, based on the context surrounding Colossians 3:15, here are powerful ways we “let” the peace of Christ rule in our hearts: We intentionally and regularly focus on Christ, everything we have in Him, and all that awaits us in eternity. We don’t give in to or dwell on those things that pull our hearts from the thriving life for which we were created. We relate to others with honesty and integrity, living like the redeemed and empowered children of God we are. And we don’t hold on to and ruminate over past offenses. 

Imagine the freedom we’d experience if we prayerfully read through Colossians 3 each night before we went to bed, inviting God to search and cleanse us of everything that steals our peace. And then ended our prayers speaking to ourselves as Colossians 3:16 instructs us to talk to one another—with hymns, songs, and thanksgiving. 

Further Reading:

Philippians 4:4-9

Galatians 5:16-24

In this episode of The Crosswalk Devotional, we explore the powerful truth that God&rsquo;s peace is not just a feeling&mdash;it&rsquo;s a ruling force that can govern our hearts and minds. As Christians, we are called to let God&rsquo;s peace guard us, especially in times of anxiety, worry, and uncertainty. But how do we allow His peace to rule our hearts when life is filled with stress and chaos?
Join the Conversation: We&rsquo;d love to hear how God&rsquo;s peace has ruled in your heart during difficult times. Share your stories with us on social media @Lifeaudionetwork or via email. How do you make room for God&rsquo;s peace in your life? What Scriptures or practices help you to surrender your anxieties and trust in His peace?
SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts: Your Daily Prayer: <a href="https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/">https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/</a> Your Daily Bible Verse: <a href="https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/">https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/</a>
Full Transcript Below:
Therefore, as God&rsquo;s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves&nbsp;with compassion, kindness, humility,&nbsp;gentleness and patience.&nbsp;13&nbsp;Bear with each other&nbsp;and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.&nbsp;14&nbsp;And over all these virtues put on love,&nbsp;which binds them all together in perfect unity.
15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. Colossians 3:12-16
As someone prone to anxiety and who comes from a long line of worriers, I&rsquo;m intrigued by the phrasing of verse 15. I find it interesting that Scripture doesn&rsquo;t say, &ldquo;gain&rdquo; or &ldquo;discover&rdquo; the peace of Christ. Instead, it tells us to allow His peace to control, to reign over, and to direct our hearts, the seat of our emotions and intellect. This suggests, even in my angsty moments, that I possess His peace.&nbsp;
Scripture affirms this. Shortly before His death, knowing all His disciples would soon witness and experience, Jesus said He gave them His peace, indicating that it came not from their circumstances but instead, from Him. We&rsquo;re also told, in Galatians 5:22 that the fruit, product, or result of the Spirit&rsquo;s work in us is, among other things, peace.
When I combine these truths with the Bible&rsquo;s directive to &ldquo;let&rdquo; God&rsquo;s peace reign, I&rsquo;m invited to consider ways in which I might be resisting this precious gift given me through my faith in Christ. Granted, I recognize there are numerous circumstances, from job loss to health challenges, that can cause us to worry and feel afraid. I don&rsquo;t want to diminish that. Yet, God has also shown me, often during some of my most unsettling seasons, how much of my anxiety stemmed from the state of my heart. I can&rsquo;t experience the peace of Christ while actively nursing a grudge, harboring bitterness, or strategizing how to get even with someone who wronged me. The more I ruminate on my offenses, the greater my angst.&nbsp;
I &ldquo;let&rdquo; Christ&rsquo;s peace rule as I follow the guidance recorded in today&rsquo;s passage. Verse 1 tells me to focus on and prioritize those things of eternal value, which helps place today&rsquo;s frustrations in proper perspective. Verses 5-10 tell me to &ldquo;put to death&rdquo; or turn from, sinful cravings and self-destructive behaviors. As I do, these &ldquo;urges&rdquo; lose their grip over me, making me less apt to hurt others and plunge into the pit of regret.&nbsp;
Verse 12 reminds me of my secure standing as God&rsquo;s child. Remembering that I&rsquo;m His chosen and dearly loved daughter quiets the anxiety that leads to defensiveness. It also helps me rest in the knowledge that my Father has good planned for me and the power to bring His plans to pass. The more I receive His love and grace, the better I&rsquo;m able to offer others, including those who have hurt me, these same transformative, healing gifts.&nbsp;
Intersecting Life and Faith
To summarize, based on the context surrounding Colossians 3:15, here are powerful ways we &ldquo;let&rdquo; the peace of Christ rule in our hearts: We intentionally and regularly focus on Christ, everything we have in Him, and all that awaits us in eternity. We don&rsquo;t give in to or dwell on those things that pull our hearts from the thriving life for which we were created. We relate to others with honesty and integrity, living like the redeemed and empowered children of God we are. And we don&rsquo;t hold on to and ruminate over past offenses.&nbsp;
Imagine the freedom we&rsquo;d experience if we prayerfully read through Colossians 3 each night before we went to bed, inviting God to search and cleanse us of everything that steals our peace. And then ended our prayers speaking to ourselves as Colossians 3:16 instructs us to talk to one another&mdash;with hymns, songs, and thanksgiving.&nbsp;
Further Reading:
<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians%204%3A4-9&amp;version=NIV">Philippians 4:4-9</a>
<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians%205%3A16-24&amp;version=NIV">Galatians 5:16-24</a>

Letting God's Peace Rule Our Hearts

In this episode of The Crosswalk Devotional, we explore how to cultivate a merry heart, grounded in biblical truth and joy in the Lord. As believers, we are called to find joy in all circumstances, but how do we maintain a joyful and merry heart when life feels heavy? In this devotional, we dive into the Scriptures to uncover what it truly means to have a merry heart and how we can nourish this joy through faith, gratitude, and a deeper connection to Christ.

We’d love to hear how you keep a merry heart in the Lord. Share your thoughts and experiences with us on social media @Lifeaudionetwork or via email. How do you cultivate joy and peace in your daily walk with Christ? What biblical practices help you maintain a merry heart even during difficult times?

SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:
Your Daily Prayer:https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/
Your Daily Bible Verse:https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/

Full Transcript Below:

How to Have a Merry Heart

By: Whitney Hopler 

“A merry heart does good like a medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones.” – Proverbs 17:22, MEV 

Popular culture often depicts the Christmas season as a time of fun, happiness, and togetherness. Yet many people don’t experience that idea of a “Merry Christmas.” Instead, too often, people are dealing with sadness, loneliness, or even despair as Christmas approaches. Broken relationships, financial pressures, and the weight of unmet expectations can turn what is meant to be the most wonderful time of the year into a season of sorrow. 

The Bible says that a merry heart is like medicine – something that heals and restores well-being. Just as medicine can relieve physical pain and suffering, a joyful heart can relieve the burdens of our souls. 

During the Christmas season, we can find ourselves stressed by demands like the pressure to buy gifts, the strain of hosting gatherings, or the pain of celebrating without loved ones whose loss we’re grieving. However, the joy that God offers is not limited by circumstances like those. It’s a joy that is available to us even in the middle of our challenges. Joy is much different from happiness. Happiness is a temporary feeling that comes and goes, based on whether or not we like our current circumstances. But joy is possible to experience anytime – even in unhappy circumstances. That’s because joy comes from God himself. Psalm 16:11 says of God: “In your presence is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” This means that joy is not something we manufacture on our own; it’s something we receive from being in God’s presence. When we connect with God’s presence, we tap into a powerful well of joy that sustains us, even when we’re facing challenges. 

Joy is what gives us a “merry heart.” Consider the shepherds in the Christmas story. They were ordinary people going about their daily tasks when an angel appeared and announced “good tidings of great joy” (Luke 2:10). This joy wasn’t based on their circumstances; it was based on the arrival of Jesus, the Savior of the world. Similarly, our joy today is rooted in the reality that God is with us and that his love for us is complete and unconditional.

If you’re struggling this Christmas season, here are a few ways you can develop a merry heart that will boost your well-being like medicine: 


Focus on God’s presence, not perfection. This Christmas, let go of unrealistic expectations and focus on the miracle of God’s presence in your life. Spend time reading God’s Word and communicating with him in prayer and meditation. Let the simple yet significant blessing of God’s presence fill your heart with joy. 


Practice gratitude. When you take time to thank God for his blessings, you shift your focus from what you lack to what you have. Make a list of things you’re thankful for each day, and watch how your perspective changes. Gratitude unlocks joy and can transform even the most difficult seasons.


Practice kindness. Sometimes the best way to lift your own spirits is to lift someone else’s. Consider ways you can intentionally spread kindness to others – whether it’s through volunteering, sending a kind message, or simply being there for a friend in need. 


Connect and forgive. If you’re struggling with loneliness or the pain of broken relationships, reach out to someone caring and trustworthy for encouragement. Let go of bitterness by choosing to forgive the people who have hurt you and move on with the peace God will give you when you ask for it. 

You can have a Merry Christmas and a merry heart authentically when you’re struggling, because joy can coexist with sorrow. Jesus is Immanuel – “God with us” – not only in your celebrations but also in your struggles. When you turn to God in your pain, you can find a joy that can carry you through any circumstances. May this Christmas season be one where you discover the true medicine of a merry heart, centered in the joy that comes from knowing Jesus. 

Intersecting Faith and Life

As you consider how God will give you a merry heart in any kind of circumstances, reflect on these questions: 


In what areas of your life are you struggling to find joy this Christmas season? How can you invite God’s presence into those areas?


How does the knowledge that God is Immanuel – “God with us” –  affect your outlook on your current challenges? 

Further Reading

Psalm 16:11

John 15:11

Nehemiah 8:10

Philippians 4:4

Romans 15:13

In this episode of The Crosswalk Devotional, we explore how to cultivate a merry heart, grounded in biblical truth and joy in the Lord. As believers, we are called to find joy in all circumstances, but how do we maintain a joyful and merry heart when life feels heavy? In this devotional, we dive into the Scriptures to uncover what it truly means to have a merry heart and how we can nourish this joy through faith, gratitude, and a deeper connection to Christ.
We&rsquo;d love to hear how you keep a merry heart in the Lord. Share your thoughts and experiences with us on social media @Lifeaudionetwork or via email. How do you cultivate joy and peace in your daily walk with Christ? What biblical practices help you maintain a merry heart even during difficult times?
SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts: Your Daily Prayer: <a href="https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/">https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/</a> Your Daily Bible Verse: <a href="https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/">https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/</a>
Full Transcript Below:
How to Have a Merry Heart
By: Whitney Hopler&nbsp;
&ldquo;A merry heart does good like a medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones.&rdquo; &ndash; Proverbs 17:22, MEV&nbsp;
Popular culture often depicts the Christmas season as a time of fun, happiness, and togetherness. Yet many people don&rsquo;t experience that idea of a &ldquo;Merry Christmas.&rdquo; Instead, too often, <a href="https://www.crosswalk.com/slideshows/ways-to-make-a-lonely-christmas-meaningful.html">people are dealing with sadness, loneliness, or even despair as Christmas approaches</a>. Broken relationships, financial pressures, and the weight of unmet expectations can turn what is meant to be the most wonderful time of the year into a season of sorrow.&nbsp;
The Bible says that a merry heart is like medicine &ndash; something that heals and restores well-being. Just as medicine can relieve physical pain and suffering, a joyful heart can relieve the burdens of our souls.&nbsp;
During the Christmas season, we can find ourselves stressed by demands like the pressure to buy gifts, the strain of hosting gatherings, or the pain of celebrating without loved ones whose loss we&rsquo;re grieving. However, the joy that God offers is not limited by circumstances like those. It&rsquo;s a joy that is available to us even in the middle of our challenges. <a href="https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/crosswalk-devo/joy-versus-happiness-the-crosswalk-devotional.html">Joy is much different from happiness</a>. Happiness is a temporary feeling that comes and goes, based on whether or not we like our current circumstances. But joy is possible to experience anytime &ndash; even in unhappy circumstances. That&rsquo;s because joy comes from God himself. Psalm 16:11 says of God: &ldquo;In your presence is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.&rdquo; This means that joy is not something we manufacture on our own; it&rsquo;s something we receive from being in God&rsquo;s presence. When we <a href="https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/spiritual-life/how-to-notice-god-with-you-throughout-your-day.html">connect with God&rsquo;s presence</a>, we tap into a powerful well of joy that sustains us, even when we&rsquo;re facing challenges.&nbsp;
Joy is what gives us a &ldquo;merry heart.&rdquo; Consider the shepherds in the Christmas story. They were ordinary people going about their daily tasks when an angel appeared and announced &ldquo;good tidings of great joy&rdquo; (Luke 2:10). This joy wasn&rsquo;t based on their circumstances; it was based on the arrival of Jesus, the Savior of the world. Similarly, our joy today is rooted in the reality that God is with us and that his love for us is complete and unconditional.
If you&rsquo;re struggling this Christmas season, here are a few ways you can develop a merry heart that will boost your well-being like medicine:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Focus on God&rsquo;s presence, not perfection. This Christmas, let go of unrealistic expectations and focus on the miracle of God&rsquo;s presence in your life. Spend time reading God&rsquo;s Word and communicating with him in <a href="https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/prayer/how-to-start-prayer-and-meditation-habits-youll-enjoy.html">prayer and meditation</a>. Let the simple yet significant blessing of God&rsquo;s presence fill your heart with joy.&nbsp;
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<a href="https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/spiritual-life/things-to-do-to-have-an-attitude-of-gratitude.html">Practice gratitude</a>. When you take time to thank God for his blessings, you shift your focus from what you lack to what you have. Make a list of things you&rsquo;re thankful for each day, and watch how your perspective changes. Gratitude unlocks joy and can transform even the most difficult seasons.
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Practice kindness. Sometimes the best way to lift your own spirits is to lift someone else&rsquo;s. Consider ways you can <a href="https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/crosswalk-devo/intentional-kindness-the-crosswalk-devotional.html">intentionally spread kindness</a> to others &ndash; whether it&rsquo;s through volunteering, sending a kind message, or simply being there for a friend in need.&nbsp;
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Connect and forgive. If you&rsquo;re struggling with loneliness or the pain of broken relationships, reach out to someone caring and trustworthy for encouragement. Let go of bitterness by <a href="https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/prayer/how-to-say-a-forgive-us-our-debts-prayer.html">choosing to forgive</a> the people who have hurt you and move on with the peace God will give you when you ask for it.&nbsp;
</li>
</ul>
You can have a Merry Christmas and a merry heart authentically when you&rsquo;re struggling, because joy can coexist with sorrow. Jesus is Immanuel &ndash; &ldquo;God with us&rdquo; &ndash; not only in your celebrations but also in your struggles. When you turn to God in your pain, you can find a joy that can carry you through any circumstances. May this Christmas season be one where you discover the true medicine of a merry heart, centered in the joy that comes from knowing Jesus.&nbsp;
Intersecting Faith and Life
As you consider how God will give you a merry heart in any kind of circumstances, reflect on these questions:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
In what areas of your life are you struggling to find joy this Christmas season? How can you invite God&rsquo;s presence into those areas?
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
How does the knowledge that God is Immanuel &ndash; &ldquo;God with us&rdquo; &ndash;&nbsp; affect your outlook on your current challenges?&nbsp;
</li>
</ul>
Further Reading
Psalm 16:11
John 15:11
Nehemiah 8:10
Philippians 4:4
Romans 15:13

How to Have a Merry Heart

In this episode of The Crosswalk Devotional, we explore the importance of having a role model in our Christian walk. As believers, we are called to reflect Christ’s character, and having someone to look up to can inspire us to live more like Him. Together, we’ll dive into Scripture to understand who the ultimate role model is and how we can follow His example in our daily lives—whether through faith, love, humility, or service.

Join the Conversation:
We’d love to hear about the role models who have shaped your faith journey. Share your experiences with us on social media @LifeaudioPodcasting or via email—Who has influenced your walk with Christ, and how has their example impacted the way you live and serve?

SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:
Your Daily Prayer:https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/
Your Daily Bible Verse:https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/

Full Transcript Below:

Who Is Your Role Model?

By Aaron D’Anthony Brown

“Make yourself an example of good works with integrity and dignity in your teaching. Your message is to be sound beyond reproach, so that any opponent will be ashamed, because he doesn’t have anything bad to say about us.” - Titus 2:7-8

Who Is Your Role Model?

I’ve long been under the impression that we all worship something. People, money, ideas. If you’re wondering what you worship, then look at where you spend most of your time. As Christians, we’re called to worship God, and only God. Still, being the sinful humans that we are, there’s a natural inclination to stray away from Him sometimes. We leave God to worship other things that cast influence on us. In that influence, we should also make another realization, we’re not just always partaking in the act of worship, we are also always learning.

Think about it. When we worship God, we are learning from Him. Prayer, fellowship, reading the Bible, all of this teaches us how to live out His will. We mature and gain wisdom as we hopefully become more like Christ. Jesus is the role model.

However, if you don’t know the Lord or have grown idle in your faith, then who fills that space? Something has to if you want to derive purpose from life. Even if you are active in your faith, sin presents an ever ready disconnect between us and God. We too face the threat of losing sight of Him and propping someone or something else up, even if temporarily.

The simple truth that every Christian should heed is that without Christ as our role model, we start to resemble the world. Our culture is constantly talking to us through what we see on television or the music we listen to. Can you think of one recent example of a show or movie from Hollywood that portrayed Christianity in a positive way? Yet, how many shows or movies have you seen where our faith is shown as just the opposite?

The world wants us to believe that they have the answers, that their way is not just better, but right. If we’re not careful, not only will we forget who we ought to be following, but we will substitute Him for something lesser, something unrighteous.

Intersecting Faith & Life:

Today, I’m willing to say that Jesus Christ is my role model. Though, if I’m being honest, I know that there are days when I don’t want to see Him. Days when I want to go my own way, do my own thing, pretending that I know better. Can you relate?

Once we snap back to reality, we need to ensure Jesus is our role model by doing the following:

Reexamine Your Life

Introspection is a must if you want to follow Christ. If we’re always learning, then we need to reflect on the lessons of old and new. Reflection is how we determine which ideas we hold are accurate, true, and which are not. Hopefully, the way you think today is more mature than how you thought five years ago or ten years ago. Continue to examine yourself for the purpose of finding truth. The closer to truth we are, the closer to Jesus we are.

Identify Any Idols

As we examine ourselves, naturally, we are going to spot sin, even idols. Once you’ve spotted them, weed them out. Replace the bad with God. How exactly do you do that? You turn to your role-model, Christ. Look at how He lived and seek to imitate that.

Pursue God

How foolish are we to ever think that God doesn’t want a relationship. He loved us before we loved Him, before we even loved ourselves (1 John 4:19). The world doesn’t love us unconditionally, if at all. Yet, the world is always trying to preach something to us. Telling us what’s right and what’s wrong. Well, God wants to do the same, only His love is unconditional. We ought to pursue Him to the best of our ability, knowing that when we do, we will look more and more like His son. Likewise, we resemble the world less and less, throwing away all evidence of unrighteousness that holds us back.

Further Reading:

1 Corinthians 11:1

Matthew 5:16

In this episode of The Crosswalk Devotional, we explore the importance of having a role model in our Christian walk. As believers, we are called to reflect Christ&rsquo;s character, and having someone to look up to can inspire us to live more like Him. Together, we&rsquo;ll dive into Scripture to understand who the ultimate role model is and how we can follow His example in our daily lives&mdash;whether through faith, love, humility, or service.
Join the Conversation: We&rsquo;d love to hear about the role models who have shaped your faith journey. Share your experiences with us on social media @LifeaudioPodcasting or via email&mdash;Who has influenced your walk with Christ, and how has their example impacted the way you live and serve?
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Full Transcript Below:
Who Is Your Role Model?
By Aaron D&rsquo;Anthony Brown
&ldquo;Make yourself an example of good works with integrity and dignity in your teaching. Your message is to be sound beyond reproach, so that any opponent will be ashamed, because he doesn&rsquo;t have anything bad to say about us.&rdquo; - Titus 2:7-8
Who Is Your Role Model?
I&rsquo;ve long been under the impression that we all worship something. People, money, ideas. If you&rsquo;re wondering what you worship, then look at where you spend most of your time. As Christians, we&rsquo;re called to worship God, and only God. Still, being the sinful humans that we are, there&rsquo;s a natural inclination to stray away from Him sometimes. We leave God to worship other things that cast influence on us. In that influence, we should also make another realization, we&rsquo;re not just always partaking in the act of worship, we are also always learning.
Think about it. When we worship God, we are learning from Him. Prayer, fellowship, reading the Bible, all of this teaches us how to live out His will. We mature and gain wisdom as we hopefully become more like Christ. Jesus is the role model.
However, if you don&rsquo;t know the Lord or have grown idle in your faith, then who fills that space? Something has to if you want to derive purpose from life. Even if you are active in your faith, sin presents an ever ready disconnect between us and God. We too face the threat of losing sight of Him and propping someone or something else up, even if temporarily.
The simple truth that every Christian should heed is that without Christ as our role model, we start to resemble the world. Our culture is constantly talking to us through what we see on television or the music we listen to. Can you think of one recent example of a show or movie from Hollywood that portrayed Christianity in a positive way? Yet, how many shows or movies have you seen where our faith is shown as just the opposite?
The world wants us to believe that they have the answers, that their way is not just better, but right. If we&rsquo;re not careful, not only will we forget who we ought to be following, but we will substitute Him for something lesser, something unrighteous.
Intersecting Faith &amp; Life:
Today, I&rsquo;m willing to say that Jesus Christ is my role model. Though, if I&rsquo;m being honest, I know that there are days when I don&rsquo;t want to see Him. Days when I want to go my own way, do my own thing, pretending that I know better. Can you relate?
Once we snap back to reality, we need to ensure Jesus is our role model by doing the following:
Reexamine Your Life
Introspection is a must if you want to follow Christ. If we&rsquo;re always learning, then we need to reflect on the lessons of old and new. Reflection is how we determine which ideas we hold are accurate, true, and which are not. Hopefully, the way you think today is more mature than how you thought five years ago or ten years ago. Continue to examine yourself for the purpose of finding truth. The closer to truth we are, the closer to Jesus we are.
Identify Any Idols
As we examine ourselves, naturally, we are going to spot sin, even idols. Once you&rsquo;ve spotted them, weed them out. Replace the bad with God. How exactly do you do that? You turn to your role-model, Christ. Look at how He lived and seek to imitate that.
Pursue God
How foolish are we to ever think that God doesn&rsquo;t want a relationship. He loved us before we loved Him, before we even loved ourselves (1 John 4:19). The world doesn&rsquo;t love us unconditionally, if at all. Yet, the world is always trying to preach something to us. Telling us what&rsquo;s right and what&rsquo;s wrong. Well, God wants to do the same, only His love is unconditional. We ought to pursue Him to the best of our ability, knowing that when we do, we will look more and more like His son. Likewise, we resemble the world less and less, throwing away all evidence of unrighteousness that holds us back.
Further Reading:
1 Corinthians 11:1
Matthew 5:16

God Uses Empty Cups

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