7 Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. 8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
It is so helpful in our walk of faith to have others around us, especially leaders, whose walk matches their talk. We need to consider the outcome of our lives, the path of destruction or edification that follows us. We have seen the massive damage done by tsunamis in recent years. Their power for destruction is almost incalculable. I see this destructive force following some people as well. They are so self-absorbed that they don’t even realize the destruction they are causing. Like the path of a tsunami, destruction overtakes those around them. Their marriage goes under, crushed at the foundation, torn from the footings. The children become dislodged and are quickly separated and thrown against the currents and objects of the world. Finances disappear in the muddy and swirling waters. Everything that was once important gets enveloped in the destructive forces. And for some people, they are totally oblivious to what is happening around them. They have their eyes on some other city where destruction has not followed them yet. Alcohol, porn, food, shopping, video games, crafts, TV, facebook, chat rooms, texting, sexting, investments, sports, activities, education. All these and so many more can become the distractions that keep us from focusing on what is important. When we get our sights away from what is really important, we are ready for the waves to take it away. We have to stay focused on the Word. We have to consider where our lives are heading and where they will end up. We must focus on our faith and its growth. The way to spiritual maturity and fulfillment in life has not changed, just like Jesus has not changed.
The Arnold Journey 