FRIDAY September 18, 2026

Follow in Jesus’ Steps

For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: “Who committed no sin, nor was deceit found in His mouth”; who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously....
1 Peter 2:21-23

Whose steps are you following? Believers are to follow Jesus’ steps. His steps lead to suffering. Did Jesus deserve to be interrogated, spat upon, slapped, beaten, whipped and sentenced to crucifixion? No, Jesus did not deserve any of those things. But He willingly chose to suffer them all for the greater good––for our salvation.

Fellow Believers, you are also so called to suffer! Commit yourself to God and love people. Have self-control and do not retaliate against wrongdoers. As much as possible, keep the peace. People tend to forget that there is a Judgment Day coming. No matter who you are––an employer or an employee––God will show no partiality:

Bondservants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God. And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. But he who does wrong will be repaid for what he has done, and there is no partiality (Colossians 3:22-25).

With that said, have joy in your work. Focus on the Lord, remembering that whatever you do, it is to please Him, not man. Endure suffering for the sake of those around you, so they can see Christ through your example, as you follow His steps. Despite suffering, God will honor you. In fact, you will be astounded because of what the Lord has planned for your life. Keep this Scripture in mind at your place of work: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him” (1 Corinthians 2:9).

Discipleship is a daily discipline; we follow Jesus a step at a time, a day at a time.
~Warren Wiersbe~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!