We Need a Savior

John Stott writes that although Jesus is our example, that is not enough, we need him as our Savior. We need the Holy Spirit to empower us to follow the example of Christ.

When we read the Gospels, we see how Jesus responded to people. We see how he treated those who treated him poorly. We see how he returned kindness for disdain and rejection. We see how he handled their disbelief. These actions set a standard for us. Yet we find ourselves challenged by the effort of trying to turn the other cheek as Jesus taught and modeled.

That's why we need a Savior. We are not capable of following Jesus' example, or even Paul's, without the help of God. We stand powerless to obey. But thank the Lord, through the blood of Christ we are forgiven, and the indwelling Holy Spirit empowers us to make right choices. By that power we can follow the example of Jesus.

The bar seems high, and so it is, but by the power of the Holy Spirit, we can clear it!