How to Walk in the Blessed Steps of Jesus

August 20, 2023

By Brooke Holt

“Almighty God, you have given your only Son to be for us a sacrifice for sin, and also an example of godly life: Give us grace to receive thankfully the fruits of his redeeming work, and to follow daily in the blessed steps of his most holy life; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.” The Collect, Proper 15, Book of Common Prayer

What is the purpose of your life? Are you fulfilling that purpose and delighting in God’s call on you? If you are reading this devotion, I can assure you that your life has a purpose, and God has been calling you to fulfill that purpose. Ponder these significant questions: how do you find this purpose and discern God’s call?

The prayer in today's Collect provides wonderful guidance. First, you begin by acknowledging God’s most amazing gift to you – His Son and the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross. From there, God beckons you to follow in the ways of Jesus, to model your life after his. No, you won’t do it perfectly. However, through the power of the Holy Spirit working in you, you can know the Lord, hear his voice, and choose to follow him. True life begins there! There you discover your purpose in life and discern the calling God has placed on you.

You are made in the image of God (see Genesis 1:27). God designed everything about you. David declared in Psalm 139:13-14 “For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made". You were made by God and for God; therefore, your ultimate purpose and calling in life is to glorify God. The rest is just icing on the cake.

What you do for work, the relationships you have, what church you attend, and what ministries to be involved in – all these things will naturally flow from: your relationship to God, knowing you are his beloved child, and your choice to seek and follow him. He longs to lead you in his “blessed steps”.

Reflection:

Walking in these “blessed steps” does take intentionality and focus. Are you ready to commit yourself to this kind of holy life? Are you ready to pursue him and his divine purpose and calling? If so, pray the words of the Collect again and purpose to receive all the fruits of Christ’s redeeming work in your life. A holy and purposeful life has been made available to you today. We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

Recommended Resource:

Jesus calls the Holy Spirit a "gift" who will guide us, lead us, and empower us. Yet many believers don't experience the power and presence of the Holy Spirit in their lives. This unique Christian small group Bible study provides a space in which we can explore what it truly means to "walk in the Spirit" on a daily basis. The Spirit-Filled Life small group curriculum centers on a 6-part video teaching series examining the life-giving and creative work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Begin to experience the gift today!