Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. – Jesus

Most people can easily identify a lighthouse. But the truth is that no two lighthouses are the same. Just like every man-made lighthouse is unique in size shape and color, we are all unique in God’s eyes. But our goal is to conform to the image of His Son by learning from and imitating Him.

As lighthouses for God, our job is to light the way for those who are lost in the dark seas of sin. We are to lead them to Christ so that they too can become lighthouses. But in order to shine this light strong enough to reach them, we need to not only share the Gospel of salvation but more importantly, we need to live it. To do this, we must become familiar with Jesus’ teachings, learn from his example and imitate Him. I have found that one of the most effective ways to become a light to the world and encourage others to do the same is through WIFI, (W)atching, (I)nternalizing, (F)ollowing, and (I)nspiring.” This method guarantees that you will always be “connected” to the source of eternal light and help others “connect” to it as well.

Jesus told His disciples that they were to learn from Him. His lifestyle and interaction with people was the perfect visual example that solidified his doctrine. Studies show that “[m]ajority of part of the human brain is devoted towards processing the visual information. [The] Brain responds to visuals fast, better than text or any other kind of learning material.“¹ While we may not be able to watch Jesus physically today we can learn from those whose lives imitate His. Paul told the Corinthians to imitate him just as he was an imitator of Christ. In other words, they were to learn from his example since his life reflected that which Christ had taught and lived. Even though no one is perfect like our Lord, we can still learn and grow by WATCHING the life of God-fearing men and women whose spiritual maturity can serve as a model.

The teachings of Christ are transcending, which means that they apply not only to those of His time but to us as well. At the last supper, Jesus prayed for His disciples. He also prayed for all those who would come to believe in Him through their message. That message is the one we now have within the pages of the Holy Scriptures. It is the message that can literally change us when we INTERNALIZE it. In other words, when we apply it to our lives and put it into practice.

Besides the 12 He called to join Him during his three years of ministry, Jesus had many other followers. And although some abandoned him by the time his life ended (at the cross), those who were truly transformed by His teachings remained faithful to Him until the very end of their lives. Their testimony along with that of many other faithful men and women throughout history has helped reach millions for Christ. That alone is proof that when we FOLLOW Jesus’ words and example our lives serve as a witness to the true power of the Gospel.

When we surrender our hearts to Christ we begin a journey of faith that is strengthened by watching and learning from those God has placed in our path as mentors. That faith grows as we internalize the teachings and promises found in Scriptures. Then as we commit to follow and obey Christ we become lighthouses that shine the glory of His grace, which in turn draws others to Him and can INSPIRE them to also become lighthouses for God.

We are not called to become Jesus clones, but to be like Him. To learn from Him and grow in the likeness of His character. If we are genuine and stay humble in the process then others can watch us, internalize the message we preach and live, and follow in our footsteps. This will consequently inspire them to do the same for others.  And that is what we have been called to do; to make disciples. So, are you ready to help others connect to Jesus by WIFI?

Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, Thank you for your example recorded in Scriptures and for the many men and women who have lived according to that example. I commit to growing in your knowledge by following your commands and learning from their faithfulness to you. Like a lighthouse, may I continue to shine and lead others to you so that they may be and encouraged to become lighthouses themselves. Amen. 

SCRIPTURES
“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” -Matthew 11:29

 

“Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ” – 1 Corinthians 11:1 (ESV)

“I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message.” – John 17:20 (NLT)

“Large crowds followed him wherever he went–people from Galilee, the Ten Towns, Jerusalem, from all over Judea, and from east of the Jordan River.” – Matthew 4:25 (NLT)

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” -Matthew 5:16 (ESV)

-ALL SCRIPTURE IS QUOTED FROM THE NIV EXCEPT WHERE SPECIFIED.

CREDITS

1 – Seven Reasons Students Learn Better With Video @ linkedin.com

2- Personal Lighthouse collection ©2017 by Joe Rodriguez