In His Steps

1 Peter 2:21 - "To this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps."

To follow in the steps of the Master is the heart's desire of the Christian disciple. Here, however, the apostle reminds us once more that such a pathway is costly, that Christ's suffering is an example for his followers. But there is something in us that wants discipleship to be easier than it is. And so our follower-ship would like to take detours around the cross. What if, though, our witness is most influential when it is a testimony of abiding joy in the face of adversity, of hope while others are losing heart?

"Not for ease or worldly pleasure, Nor for fame my prayer shall be;
Gladly will I toil and suffer, Only let me walk with Thee.
Close, to Thee, close to Thee, close to Thee, close to Thee."
-- Fanny J. Crosby, "Close to Thee"