Following Jesus is like playing "Simon Says". Read Ephesians 5:1. Steve Max is a professional "Simon Says" game leader. He travels around the country performing at halftime shows with willing contestants. He can usually take a group of 25 and eliminate all but one within a minute or two. The idea is to do what Simon says to do and not do the instructions that aren’t accompanied by the words “Simon Says". As a follower of Jesus, we are to do what Jesus says to do and avoid doing the things we are not supposed to do. We are to love God, love people, treat people with kindness, forgive people, serve, worship, give generously and many other things Jesus says to do. We are not to murder, lust, be mean, take advantage of people, and many other things as well. In "Simon Says", if you mess up, you are out of the game. Thankfully Jesus does not throw us out of the kingdom when we disobey his teachings. If we ask to be forgiven, we can stay in this game called "Faith and Life". We can continue to follow Jesus with all of God’s people. We are not in a contest to beat other Christians by being the best follower of Jesus. Instead, we are in this together. We are all on Jesus’ team. We love one another. We forgive one another. We encourage one another. Let’s be like Jesus.



Holy God, forgive us when we disobey and keep us on the right path so we can follow you with all your strength. Give us patience with others and ourselves. May all glory, honor, and praise be to you. Amen.