At Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, we are committed to building our lives upon the love of Christ. This commitment is not just a declaration but a daily pursuit of living as true followers of Jesus. The bridge of the song we recently sang encapsulates this beautifully: “I will build my life upon your love.” This statement serves as a reminder that our foundation as Christians is rooted in the love of Christ, which we are called to emulate in our own lives.
The Example of Christ’s Love
1 Peter 2:21 provides a powerful reminder of our calling: “For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.” Jesus’ life is the ultimate example of love, sacrifice, and obedience to God. As His disciples, we are called to follow in His footsteps, modeling our lives after His example.
Pursuing Jesus Step by Step
Following Jesus is not a passive endeavor; it requires active pursuit and intentionality. Just as the sermon illustration suggests, walking in the footsteps of Jesus is akin to following a path on a sandy beach. The footprints may be clear, but it’s easy to misstep or veer off course if we are not vigilant. To truly follow Jesus, we must stay close to Him, right on His heels, ensuring that we are aligned with His teachings and His love.
This pursuit involves setting aside distractions and focusing on the path that Jesus has laid out for us. It means prioritizing His example above all else, even when the world offers alternative paths that may seem appealing. As we walk closely with Jesus, we learn to discern His voice and His direction, allowing us to navigate life’s challenges with faith and confidence.
Living Out Our Mission: Be the Change
At Lakeview Christian Church, our mission to “Be the Change” is deeply connected to this pursuit of Jesus. Through our “Just 3” approach—Study, Share, and Serve—we seek to embody the love of Christ in tangible ways:
- Study: By immersing ourselves in God’s Word, we gain a deeper understanding of Jesus’ teachings and His example of love. This study equips us to live out our faith with authenticity and conviction.
- Share: Sharing the love of Christ with others is a natural outflow of our discipleship. As we build relationships and share our faith, we invite others to experience the transformative power of Jesus’ love.
- Serve: Serving others is a practical expression of our love for Christ. Through acts of service, we demonstrate the love and compassion of Jesus, making a positive impact in our community and beyond.
Conclusion
Building our lives on the love of Christ is a lifelong journey that requires dedication and perseverance. As we follow in His footsteps, we are transformed by His love and empowered to be agents of change in the world. Let us commit to this pursuit with all our hearts, knowing that as we draw closer to Jesus, we become more like Him, reflecting His love and grace to those around us. At Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, we are dedicated to this mission, striving to “Be the Change” as Jesus has changed us.
