If we follow Christ in truth, the world would be a pleasant place to live. However many of us though claim to have Christ dwelling in us do not live like Christ. To live like Christ comes from within by the Holy Spirit. We live like Christ Jesus did when we live under the direction of the Holy Spirit. As mortals, we will fail to be Christ-like without allowing the spirit to outgrow us.
What we must not do
When our soul is liberated, we may become like Christ Jesus because his spirit will be our guide. If our souls are not liberated, we would rather live as enemies of Christ Jesus. In order to be like Christ Jesus, Paul said in 2 Corinthians 6: 14: For what partnership is there between righteousness and lawlessness? What fellowship is there between light and darkness?
Paul says in Ephesians 5: 11 take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. In order to be like Christ Jesus, we must accept that we have been called out of darkness into the marvelous light of God. Therefore, we cannot live both in darkness and in the light. We are not our own and that our bodies belong to God, 1 Corinthians 6: 19. To be like Christ Jesus, Paul said in 1 Corinthians 10: 24: Do not seek your own advantage, but that of the other. So, how did Christ Jesus live?
Jesus always depended on God
Jesus said in John 8: 28, I do nothing on my own, but I speak these things as the Father instructed me. Christ-like people must think, speak, and do only what God has instructed. Jesus said in John 12: 50, what I speak, therefore, I speak just as the Father has told me. It is not Christ-like to attribute to God what he has not said. Jesus said in John 14: 10, the words that I say to you I do not speak on my own; but the Father who dwells in me does his works. It is pleasant to depend on God rather than man.
Jesus always spoke God’s truth
The Pharisees confessed to Jesus unknowingly in Matthew 22: 16; Mark 12: 14; Luke 20: 21 “Teacher, we know that you are sincere, and teach the way of God in accordance with truth, and show difference to no one; for you do not regard people with partiality.” Christ-like people must speak the truth of God without partiality or human sentiments. Christ is the truth of God and he must be honoured as truth.
Jesus was God’s light of the world
Simeon said of Jesus in Luke 2: 32 (he is) he is the light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel. Was Jesus indeed the light of the world? Yes, he was and is still the light of the world. John 1: 4 says in him (Jesus) was life, and the life was the light of all people. Jesus said in John 8: 12 “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” He said in John 9: 5 as long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world. To the Christ-like, we must effectively guide the spiritually blind back to the light of God and in his presence.
Jesus died to save the world
Romans 5: 8 say God proves his love for us that while we still were sinners Christ died for us. Jesus accepted voluntarily to die for the world so he did not renege during challenges. Caiaphas said in John 11: 50, it is better for you to have one man die for the people than to have the whole nation destroyed. Paul said in 1 Timothy 1: 15 it is sure and worthy of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. For us to be like Christ Jesus Romans 14: 7-8 say we must not live to ourselves nor die to ourselves but to the Lord for this end, Christ died.
Jesus gave hope to the world
God ordained Jesus to bring hope to the world. Matthew 12: 21 writes, And in his (Jesus) name the Gentiles (none Jews) will hope. Paul said in Romans 5: 2 through Christ Jesus we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand; and we boast in our hope of sharing the glory of God. Because of Christ Jesus, we have the hope of glory in his second coming. In 1 Peter 2: 24 he bore our sins in his body on the cross,… by his wounds we are healed. Christ-like people must give hope always to the world through the Holy Spirit.
Jesus showed grace to the world
Jesus’ unconditional grace has justified those who believe in him. Paul said in Romans 3: 24 they (non-believers) are now justified by grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. God’s grace is not based on works, Romans 11: 6. Jesus has given each of us sufficient grace to be like him. He said in 2 Corinthians 12: 9, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” When we were dead through sin, Christ Jesus made us alive by his grace, Ephesians 2: 5, 6. Christ-like people must see to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springs up and causes trouble, and through it many become defiled, Hebrews 12: 15.
Jesus showed unwavering faith.
Jesus said in Matthew 19: 26; Mark 10: 27, “For mortals it is impossible, but for God all things are possible.” Jesus has such an amazing faith in God which Christ-like people must desire to exercise. Jesus said in Mark 11: 22, “Have faith in God…” Jesus said further in Mark 9: 23, “All things can be done for the one who believes.” If we cannot trust God as Jesus did, we cannot be like Christ Jesus. If we trust God in all circumstances, Christ Jesus will walk with us and we will be like him.
Jesus was at peace with God
Jesus had a very cordial relationship with his Father in heaven. That enabled him to ask for, and receive answers from God always. Jesus wants us to have a similar relationship with him. He said in John 15: 7, if you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it shall be done for you. God gave his peace to the world through Christ Jesus so the angels said in Luke 2: 14, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth among those whom he favours. Those who desire to be like Christ Jesus must have peace with God.
Jesus had patience in God
Jesus always waited on God based on trust. Jesus said in Matthew 26: 55; Mark 14: 48; Luke 22: 52, “Have you come out with swords and clubs to arrest me as though I were a bandit? Even in such trying moments, Jesus was patient in God because he knew God. He was humiliated and denied justice yet he was patient in God, Acts 8: 33. Those who want to be like Christ Jesus must understand God’s workings and thereby have patience in God. Are we ready to be like Christ Jesus?
Prayer
Dear Father in heaven, please help us to acquire the character of Christ Jesus so we may be able to withstand the works of sin to your glory and honour. We pray in the blessed name of Christ Jesus, Amen!!
