“When they observed the boldness of Peter and John and realized that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were amazed and recognized that they had been with Jesus.” Acts 4:13 (CSB)

When our oldest son, Mitchell, was a tiny tot, we purchased a plastic toy lawn mower for him at a local yard sale. Using that lawn mower became one of his favorite pastimes. But he didn’t want to propel it just anywhere — he wanted to follow along right behind his dad as he mowed the lawn.

Of course, this wasn’t safe; the lawn mower blade might throw a rock or worse. So my husband disengaged the blade and pushed his lawn mower around our backyard just so my son could follow behind and imitate him.

Often in my spiritual life, I've thought it a worthy goal to try to be more like Jesus in this way: to imitate His behavior, to try to behave like He does. But the older I get, the more I have discovered it isn’t enough just to try to be like Jesus. First, we should want to be with Jesus. Godliness can’t just be imitated; it needs to be developed. And the best way to develop it is not by doing good deeds but by growing in our relationship with the Lord.

Acts 4:13 gives us a glimpse of this truth: “When they observed the boldness of Peter and John and realized that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were amazed and recognized that they had been with Jesus.”

A certain phrase pops out at me: They had been with Jesus.

How this verse both challenges and inspires us! Do others recognize from our behavior that we have been with Jesus? Might they be amazed at qualities we possess because of Him, even though we aren’t anybody special? In our walk with the King, are we focusing on copying His behavior in a perfunctory way or on being in His presence, allowing the Holy Spirit to convict, change and embolden us, helping us trust God more and live out our faith?

My son Mitch did love mimicking his dad, but mostly he just constantly wanted to be where his father was, whether spending time outside in the yard, working on something in the garage or putting his feet up inside the house after finishing his chores. Similarly, we should stick close by the Lord's side, loving the time spent in His presence.

Spending deliberate time with Jesus in prayer and Bible study — however that works into our schedule and season — shows a seriousness about our faith and can strengthen our trust in Him. May the words of James 4:8a be our continual ambition: “Come close to God, and God will come close to you” (NLT).

Looking and sounding like Jesus will be the natural result from spending time with Him so often. Let’s focus on that.

Gracious Father, I long to put unhurried time with You at the top of my priority list. Help me to carve out space in my schedule to deepen my walk with You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

OUR FAVORITE THINGS

Whatever life season you find yourself in, whether you are single, married, a mom, or a student, it can be easy to feel like you have to figure out this Christian life alone. That’s why the Proverbs 31 Ministries Podcast shares biblical truth for any girl, in any season. You don’t have to do this Christian life alone. The podcast features episodes on leadership, spiritual growth, navigating hard seasons, theology and more, its a space for you to learn from people who have been there or are there now. Click here to listen to our latest episode!

If you long to spend time with Jesus on a more consistent basis, you will find a great resource in Karen Ehman and Ruth Schwenk’s newest devotional, Trusting God in All the Things: 90 Devotions for Finding Peace in Your Every Day.

ENGAGE

Do you wish you were more consistent in spending time alone with God in your day? Head to Karen’s blog, where she is sharing her top tips for developing a deeper walk with God through time spent soaking in Scripture.

Speaking of Scripture, join our Encouragement for Today Devotions Facebook group to fill your news feed with Truth from God’s Word! And find a beautiful community of believers who will pray for you and with you. Join today!

FOR DEEPER STUDY

1 Chronicles 16:11, “Seek the LORD and His strength; Seek His face continually [longing to be in His presence].” (AMP)

Are you satisfied with how seriously or how often you spend concentrated time in God’s presence? If not, what changes do you desire to make?

We’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts in the comments.

© 2023 by Karen Ehman. All rights reserved.