Scripture for Today: Hebrews 6:12 “We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.”

I am so happy to have this old picture of my husband and son.  What a great rite-of-passage moment this was!  I, of course, was totally excluded from such a masculine activity.  Our son would certainly not have learned the right technique from me!  I know that some people start this learning process much earlier without inserting a razor.  But this was the real deal and all came through it unscathed.

Learning by example is so much easier than a written “how to” explanation.  The author of Hebrews understood this as did Paul in I Corinthians 4:16.  Imitating others is something we do naturally.  Whether it is cutting a candy bar on a plate with knife and fork, (Seinfeld) or taking on the habits of the father, imitating others is done almost without thought.

Imitating the faith and patience of others is something requiring not only thought but effort.  Our verse for today encourages us to make that effort and not to become lazy in our Christian walk.  The context talks of God recompensing our love and work for Him, helping His people and being diligent until the very end.

Who do I imitate?  There is quite a choice presented in the great “faith chapter” of Hebrews 11.  Some of these heroes of the faith did not even receive the things promised (verse 13).  Yet they stood firm, seeing them at a great distance with eyes of faith.  They were able to endure unthinkable hardships because of their patience and faith.

I can choose who to imitate.  Lord, help me to follow the best examples of faith.  May I be diligent and persevere in my faith until the very end!

Look familiar?  This is a summer re-post due to ministry schedule.