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The hired hand, since he is not the shepherd and doesn't own the sheep, leaves them and runs away when he sees a wolf coming. 
The wolf then snatches and scatters them. 
This happens because he is a hired hand and doesn't care about the sheep.
John 10:12-13 CSB

Therefore, be imitators of God, as dearly loved children, and walk in love, as Christ also loved us and gave himself for us, a sacrificial and fragrant offering to God.
Ephesians 5:1-2 CSB

I've been wondering as I am called to imitate Jesus, just how often I am much more like the hired hand. 
When things get tough I leave it for someone else. 
When things get messy I can justify walking away.
When the cost is personal I'll set my limits. 
Jesus didn't do that. 
And he calls me to follow him.
At the same time, we're limited creatures, we're not Jesus.
But every time we put aside our own agenda for someone else we look less like the hired hand, and more like Jesus.
Every time we treat someone with kindness, exercise patience, sit with someone who's hurting, listen without interrupting, give of our time & resources without expecting anything back, we are the anti-hired hand, & looking a little more like Jesus.
#beimitatorsofJesusintheeveryday


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