Introduction
As followers of Christ, our primary model for living life is Jesus, and His life on Earth serves as our ultimate guide. The scriptures instruct us to be in the world but not of it, signifying a distinct and counter-cultural existence compared to that of the modern world. In today's context, it is important to distinguish ourselves, resisting the wide path embraced by the world that ultimately leads to suffering and ruin. Instead, we strive to follow the narrow path that leads to life.
Living like our Lord Jesus is a challenging endeavor, and determining the precise way to do so can be complex. Fortunately, numerous scriptures offer insight on this matter, along with additional principles that provide guidance, aiding us in the pursuit— or at least the aspiration— of a life reflective of Jesus' example.
Why Should We Live Like Christ?
Following the example set by Jesus Christ offers a profound path toward purpose, meaning, and fulfillment in life. His teachings and actions serve as a timeless beacon of genuine love, compassion, and righteousness. By aligning our lives with His principles, we not only discover our true purpose but also infuse our existence with meaning. Rather than merely existing, following His example empowers us to produce transformative good works, ensuring that our lives contribute positively to the world around us.
Most importantly, our motivation stems not from a sense of obligation but from a deep-rooted love and reverence for Jesus Christ. Thus, by embracing Christ's example, we embark on a journey that enriches our lives and gets us closer to God and ultimately, being able to spend eternity with Him.
How To Live Like Jesus Christ
Now that we’ve established the reasons for emulating Christ, we need to determine how exactly we do that. Fortunately, the character of Jesus is discussed throughout the Scriptures, providing us with ample traits to emulate.
Knowledge of the Word
Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” - Luke 2:49
To start, let’s talk about Jesus Christ’s knowledge of the Word. Even as a child, Jesus was an attentive student of God’s Word. In Luke 2:46 we see that as a child, Jesus was often seen, “sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions.” Even at a young age, He understood the importance of seeking the teachers of the Word to ask questions, so that gives us even more of a reason to study the Bible ourselves. He studied Scripture and sought out a deeper level of understanding and, like Luke 2:52 states, “Jesus grew in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and man.”
His knowledge of Scripture became His spiritual weapon and shield against the forces of evil. In fact, the Word is what He used as a weapon against Satan during His time in the wilderness. For every temptation or twisting of God’s Word that the devil used to try and cause Jesus to sin, He simply quoted verses from Scripture that were relevant to the temptation, and this caused the devil to flee Him.
“Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only.” - Matthew 4:10
As his followers we too must be able to use the Word as our weapon against the enemy. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 tells us that Scripture is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” Here we see that the deeper we understand the Bible and the more verses we can memorize, the stronger and greater our arsenal becomes. This way, whenever we are tempted by evil or when we encounter life’s great trials we can, through Christ, stand our ground.
Relationship With God
Christ’s devotion to strengthening His relationship with the Father is one of His most important traits that we can learn about. There are 2 instances in the Gospel of Luke in which it demonstrates Jesus slipping away from the group in order to spend time alone with God.
In these days he went out to the mountain to pray, and all night he continued in prayer to God. - Luke 6:12
Here Jesus shows us that it is important to find time to be alone with God, speaking to Him about anything and everything. Whether it is a prayer of thanksgiving or a plea for advice from above it is important to spend time with God just as you would with a friend or family member. Jesus’ prayer on the mountain was not a one-time event.
However, he continued his habit of retiring to deserted places and praying. - Luke 5:16
Luke 5:16 states that Jesus “continued his habit of retiring to deserted places and praying”. Often, people say, “God doesn’t talk to me. I don’t hear his voice” but these are the same people who don’t read the Word (which is how you learn about God’s character and history/relationship with humanity). These people only pray to God when they want something or when hardship arrives. In order to hear Him often we must also SEEK Him often.
Think of a friend or family member that you are close to. The bond and trust you have with that person did not bloom out of nowhere. It took months or even years of interacting, sharing, and communicating to develop the relationship you have with that person. The same is true with God.
Gratitude, Humility & Charity
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” - Matthew 11:28-30
Jesus Christ's character radiates with the virtues of gratitude, humility, and charity, each shown in His teachings and actions. In Matthew 11:25, His gratitude toward the Father is evident as He declares, "I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth." This is one of many verses where Jesus acknowledges that God should be thanked for all things.
His humility shines in John 13:5 when He undertakes the act of washing His disciples' feet, a gesture of service that defied societal norms (during this time) and emphasizes His servant-based ministry. Additionally, His charity is demonstrated in passages like John 6:11, where He miraculously feeds the multitudes, showcasing His concern for their physical well-being. His commitment to healing and preaching the Gospel, as noted in Matthew 4:23, gives us a glimpse of His charitable mission to alleviate suffering and enlighten souls.
Additionally, His compassion is noted again in Luke 7:14-15 as He resurrects a widow's son, revealing His deep empathy and love for humanity. Collectively, these Scriptures illuminate Jesus Christ as a beacon of gratitude, humility, and charity, inviting all to embrace these virtues and reflect His divine nature in their lives.
Forgiveness & Patience
“Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” - Luke 23:24
One of Jesus Christ's most well-known traits is that of forgiveness. It is a cornerstone of His teachings and actions. Ephesians 4:32 instructs believers to "be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you," reminding us that we too can forgive those who hurt us, just like God forgives all sin through Jesus' sacrifice on the cross. This is vividly demonstrated in Luke 23:34, where, amidst His crucifixion, Jesus prays, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing," showing unrivaled levels of forgiveness even in the face of betrayal and suffering.
Such a profound act shows His boundless compassion and mercy towards humanity. In regard to patience, James 1:19-20 emphasizes the essence of being "quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry," reflecting Jesus' patient and understanding demeanor. Through these Scriptures, we can grasp that Jesus' character of forgiveness is not just a virtue He preached but a transformative reality He lived in, inviting all to embrace this grace and extend it to others.
Prioritizing God
As we saw earlier, Jesus’ time on Earth revolved around God from childhood to His sacrifice on the cross. His life was filled with prayer, worship, sermons, miracles, and ministry. Although not all of us are called up by God to become teachers of the Word, that does not take away from the fact that God should be our number one priority in life.
“You shall have no other gods before me.” - Exodus 20:3
Exodus 20:3-5 makes this clear, "You shall have no other gods before me." While many might associate 'gods' or idols with false gods of other religions, the reality extends much further. Idols can manifest in seemingly good things such as our careers, friends, school, hobbies, and material possessions. These elements, while not inherently negative, become detrimental when they overshadow our devotion to God. The pursuit of material possessions, though enticing, can deceive us into placing them above our walk with God.
Hebrews 13:5 reminds us, "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have," highlighting the danger of overvaluing material wealth. Matthew 19:21 states, “Jesus answered, ‘If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” Here, Jesus urges us to relinquish excessive attachment to worldly possessions, encouraging a focus on heavenly treasures. It's important for us to understand that while God blesses us with good things, enjoying these blessings shouldn't divert us from our primary purpose: to love, worship, and serve Him wholeheartedly.
Faith & Obedience
"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." - Romans 12:2
God's call for believers is clear: to be set apart from the world's fleeting desires and flimsy values. Romans 12:2 tells us directly, "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." Similarly, Colossians 3:5-10 delves deeper, urging us to "put to death" earthly inclinations such as immorality, greed, anger, and deceit, emphasizing the rebirth of our spirit in alignment with Christ's teachings. James 1:22-27 stresses that faith without works is dead; it's not enough to merely listen to God's word, we need to show through our way of being that we have been reborn.
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations. - Jeremiah 1:5
Trusting in God's divine plan, even amidst life's uncertainties, remains foundational to a believer's journey. Romans 8:28 offers solace and assurance: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." This promise reminds us that every trial, victory, setback, or blessing converges for our ultimate good and God's glory.
“Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.” - Luke 22:42
Perhaps the most powerful act of faith is in Luke 22:41-44. While grappling with the impending crucifixion, Jesus earnestly prayed to His Father for an alternative, yet His unwavering commitment to God's grand design shone brilliantly. His act of surrender encapsulates the pinnacle of faith: “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.” This moment is the ultimate example of trust—yielding to God's wisdom, even when it diverges from our desires, recognizing that His Plan is perfect.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the life and teachings of Jesus Christ provide a transformative roadmap for believers seeking purpose, meaning, and fulfillment. His exemplary character, unwavering devotion to God, and boundless compassion serve as the ultimate example to living life correctly, guiding us towards a life rooted in righteousness and love. As explained through various verses in Scripture, being like Christ involves delving deep into God's Word, cultivating a profound relationship with Him, and embodying virtues such as gratitude, humility, charity, forgiveness, and patience.
While the world may present distractions and fleeting pleasures, following Christ's teachings means prioritizing God above all else. The narrow path is neither simplistic nor devoid of challenges, yet God fortifies believers with hope, strength, and purpose. As we navigate life's complexities, let us anchor our souls in Christ, striving daily to mirror His attributes, thereby illuminating our path and drawing closer to God's eternal embrace.