Model the Behavior 

I had a great conversation with two mentors yesterday centered on behavior and sustainable change. It is difficult to require others to change if you haven’t demonstrated the change in yourself. Any form of change management requires transparency, vulnerability, and trust. For example, if we want someone to be more patient or exhibit kindness, we first need to examine ourselves to ensure that we have patience and kindness. “Be the change you want to see in the world.” We model the behavior that we want to see on others because it creates credibility and provides an example for others to follow. Jesus consistently modeled the behavior that He wanted His disciples to live. Jesus was the perfect example of what it meant to be truly human. After all, He is known as the second Adam—the true revelation of God’s intent for humanity. If you want to know what it means to be human, look at Jesus. To be truly human is to be in unison with God.

In Mark 4:35-41, Jesus was found sleeping in a storm. The storm caused His disciples to wake Him up with an urgent plea, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” Jesus woke from His sleep, rebuked the storm, and targeted the root of unbelief and fear that gripped the disciple’s hearts. Now, what behavior was Jesus modeling for His disciples? Jesus was modeling what it means to have actual dependence on Abba-Father. Jesus was exhausted after a day of ministry, and He decided to go to sleep knowing that He slept in the hands of the Father. Jesus modeled a heart of peace and trust in His Abba that transcends fear. We have more than just a model of faith; we have the power to live the same life that Jesus did! We have access to the Holy Spirit and the privilege to ask Him daily to live the life that Christ modeled. Jesus has given us the power to live like Him. What wondrous love is this?