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To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. — 1 Corinthians 9:22

For example, Christ left heaven, became one of us, endured the worst of us, and served us to save us. I, Joshua can honestly say I sacrificed everything to share the Gospel with all good and bad to be able to save some. So now in this moment of life, I ask? What have we done? What have we left? What have we given up? What have we endured? What have we done to become someone better able to share our Lord with those we love, know, or influence? Even more, what have we done to reach the lost, whom we don't know, and who are not like us so that they can follow Jesus? Let's do whatever it takes to lead by example with our description of Jesus as our example:

In our relationships with one another, we are to have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in the very nature of God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death — even death on a cross!

(Philippians 2:5-8).

"Let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me, that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice, and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight," declares the Lord. — Jeremiah 9:24

This passage from Jeremiah reminded God's people of two truths about the Lord's character — truths we should display in our lives, as well: God exercises kindness, justice, and righteousness. God delights when he sees these aspects of his character alive in us. Let’s be more like our heavenly Father as we commit to a lifestyle of kindness, justice, and righteousness. Why? Because we should have no greater joy than to bring delight to the Father by becoming more like him in how we live and treat others around us each day!

"What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self?" [Luke 9:25]

I once saw a picture in an  office of a hearse pulling a U-Haul trailer with the caption, "Who says you can't take it with you?" While it is humorous, it is also wrong: DEAD wrong. And that was the point of the picture! Our Father wants us to ask ourselves what have we gained if we lose our souls in pursuing things we can't take with us after we die. Is more stuff, fame, wealth, and power worth losing the only part of us that matters eternally? No, it is not!

I strike a blow to society by trying to live in truth and spirit and making it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I will not be disqualified for the prize.

"Practice what you preach!"

"I'd rather see a sermon than hear one any day."

"Put your life where your mouth is!"

Each statement has the same goal: following God's will and living it led by the truth and Spirit without hypocrisy and with dedicated faithfulness. Those who speak out most openly about faith in God our Father must also ensure that we hold ourselves accountable to the same standard we call others to follow. Self-scrutiny and having someone who holds us responsible and encourages us when we are discouraged are essential if we are going to live faithfully, what we say we believe. Like Joshua who has given us this challenging statement, let's prepare to live for the truth through the spirit like an athlete prepares to compete.