IMITATE GODLY PEOPLE
SCRIPTURE: HEBREWS 6:12 (NKJV)
”That you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.”
When the Word of God tells us to imitate someone, it is an indication that something good and productive has been done by that person and God wants us to learn from such person and do same. We must be thankful to our Father for those whose life example is godly and successful so that we can be inspired to emulate them.
These Hebrew saints were encouraged earlier to remember that God would remember their service and reward them accordingly. They were therefore encouraged further to look at Abraham’s example of faith and patience so that they don’t lose their zeal to serve and walk with God.
In today’s verse, we too are encouraged to imitate the elders who inherited the promises of God through faith and patience. These elders refer to both the Old and New Testament saints and leaders who have gone ahead of us. In contemporary language, we could call them role models, leaders or heroes or heroines of our faith.
Abraham walked with God closely. His faith in God and his patience obviously made a big difference in his life. Faith enables us to continue holding on to God’s Word without losing our grip or belief in it. Patience or perseverance enables us to pass the test of time and overcome all the enemies of our faith like doubt, fear and sense knowledge.
These two work together. They are interdependent. Between the time we believe God’s Word and the time it comes into manifestation, that waiting period is the opportunity we have to grow in patience or perseverance. James 1, verse 3 confirms this; ”knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.” (NKJV)
Abraham had an attitude of faith and patience. With
enthusiasm and expectation he looked forward to the manifestation of his promise without giving up. I encourage you not to complain, murmur and get anxious when the Word you have believed hasn’t come into manifestation. Keep serving God. He is a rewarder of this who diligently seek him (Heb 11:6).
PRAYER
I praise you Father for how your Word reminds me to maintain a good confession and to remain inspired by the exploits of other men and women of faith. As I am strengthened by your Spirit in the inner man, I resolve to stand strong in trying times and to see the fulfillment of your Word to me. In Jesus’s name, I refuse to give up, Amen.
FURTHER READING (NKJV)
HEBREWS 11:1-6
[1]Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
[2]For by it the elders obtained a good testimony.
[3]By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.
[4]By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts; and through it he being dead still speaks.
[5]By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death, “and was not found, because God had taken him”; for before he was taken he had this testimony, that he pleased God.
[6]But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.