Morning & Evening Daily Devotional Reading– May 17

by Charles H. Spurgeon, Revised and Edited by William C. Neff

“To walk even as [Jesus] walked.”

—1 John 2:6

Why should Christians imitate Christ? First of all, they should do it for their own benefit. If they want their soul to be in a healthy condition; if they want to escape the sickness of sin; if they want to enjoy holy and happy communion with Him; if they desire to rise above the cares and troubles of this world, then let them live even as He lived. Let Jesus rule your every thought and action. This is when you are most happy and most known to be the sons of God.

Next, for the benefit of your witness to others, strive to be like Jesus. The Christian Faith has been shot at ruthlessly by hatful enemies, and the worst enemies come from inside the camp. The most harm is done by the professing Christian who wields the dagger of hypocrisy. The man with ulterior motives who professes to know Christ, while being nothing but a wolf in sheep’s clothing; he is more of a concern to the flock than the lion outside.

But the best reason to imitate Christ is for Christ’s own benefit. Christian, let me ask you, “Do you love your Savior?” Is His name precious to you? Is His cause dear to you? Do you want the kingdoms of the world to become His? Is it your desire that He should be glorified? Are you longing for sinners to be won to Him? If so, then imitate Jesus; be an “open letter of Christ to be read by all men.” [M&E]