1. Be Like Ezra. He decided to make himself useful in God’s work. He “prepared his heart to seek the Law of the Lord, and to do it, and to teach statutes and ordinances in Israel” (Ezra 7:10). Making a difference for the cause of Christ will not happen by accident. Time spent studying God’s word will equip us to serve others.

2. Be Like Daniel. He was thrust into a sinful environment, but had “purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself...” (Dan. 1:8). The world around us is filthy. God’s grace does not give us a license to dive in and enjoy it. We will not avoid the stain of sin by accident. We must purpose in our hearts to remain pure from sin.

3. Be Like Barnabas. He had earned his name as the “Son of Encouragement” (Acts 4:36). Wherever he went, he encouraged other Christians to continue with the Lord (Acts 11:23). You and I need to become sources of encouragement to others.

4. Be Like Epaphras. He was with Paul in Rome, but his thoughts and prayers were always focused on his beloved brethren in Colossae. “Epaphras, who is one of you, a bondservant of Christ, greets you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. For I bear him witness that he has a great zeal for you...” (Col. 4:12-13). You and I need to be zealous for Christians and churches in other places.

5. Be Like Andrew. He was not content to follow Jesus alone. The first thing he did was find his brother and bring him to the Lord. “He first found his own brother Simon, and said to him, ‘We have found the Messiah’ (which is translated, the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus...” (John 1:41-42). You and I can be like Andrew and bring others to Jesus. Notice the word “first” – it needs to be a priority.