The disciple Peter wrote that Jesus left us an example so we could “follow in his steps.” (See 1 Peter 2:21.) As we consider how God wants men to be fruitful in their areas of responsibility, we could very naturally look at Jesus’ life on earth. Jesus communicated by His words and actions that He had a mission to pursue people. He made the effort to “seek and to save the lost.” He told stories about a woman who lost a coin, a shepherd who lost a sheep, and a father who lost a son. He described how they pursued and/or welcomed what was lost, setting that as a standard for His kingdom. If you want to imitate Jesus, you’ll initiate relationships or reconciliation. We can grow weary when we pursue and get no response. But when we follow Jesus’ example, we need to understand that God places certain relationships and situations in our lives as our responsibilities. He wants us to be proactive rather than reactive. He wants us to move toward those people and situations, rather than running away. WEEK Week 2 22 Monday—October 16•Pursue Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” (Luke 19:9–10) What relationships or situations have tempted you to run away rather than moving forward? Do you think that has been the right choice? Why or why not? Daily Reading: Jeremiah 28:1–29:32, 1 Timothy 1:1–20, Psalm 86:1–17, Proverbs 25:17 Tuesday—October 17•Protect “I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name, the name you gave me, so that they may be one as we are one. While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by that name you gave me.” (John 17:11–12) Jesus protected His disciples while He was on earth, and then He prayed for their ongoing protection just before He endured crucifixion. A man who wants to lead a fruitful and fulfilling life will protect those around him. I ride bicycles, and I can tell you, the best group rides happen when the strongest riders lead. They shield the riders behind them from the wind. If you’re back in the pack, and you’re riding with 20 people, you can go about 20-25 percent faster than you would at the front. God places people in your life who need you to be their “front rider.” If you are willing to clear the way, you can help them do things faster and better than they would on their own. That kind of effort requires sacrifice. You’ll work harder than others. You may even take some arrows the enemy meant for others. But the reality is, fruitful people are willing to sacrifice. They don’t let others suffer, simply because they were too cowardly to lead. WEEK Week 2 The responsibility to protect may require a man to be a father to his children rather than a best friend. It may require a businessman to give up a bonus so his employees can benefit. What people or situations around you need your protection? What do you think that will look like? Daily Reading: Jeremiah 30:1–31:26, 1 Timothy 2:1–15, Psalm 87:1–7, Proverbs 25:18–19
20514 Man in Mirror
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