Seven Good Ways To Be More Like Christ

July 23, 2007

One – Jesus was loving

Not only was Jesus loving, but his love was beyond comprehension. We will never have to bear the sin of the world unto death the way he did, but he wants us to lay down our lives for people in other ways. “By this we know love, because he laid down his life for us and we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.” – 1 John 3:16. His love can work miracles in your life and in the lives of people you touch. The love of God in you will grow and reproduce as you share it. “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another as I have loved you, that you also love one another.” – John 13:34. Pray for God’s love to be revealed in you as you reach out to the world around you.

Two – Jesus was humble

Jesus was Lord of the universe, yet “he humbled and became obedient to the point of death— even the death of the cross.” – Philippians 2:8. Even a fraction of his humility will get us a long way in this world because it’s such a rare commodity. And we need it because there is a steep price to pay for having pride. “Everyone proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord, though they join forces, none will go unpunished.” – Proverbs 16:5. “Pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall” – Proverbs 16:18. Nothing will speak louder to people around you than your own humility, because it will be a refreshing departure from the norm. Pray for God to give you a humble heart.

Three – Jesus was faithful

Jesus never wavered in his conviction and knowledge of who he was and why he was on earth. “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life, no one comes to the Father except through me.” – John 14:6. Even when he was tempted by Satan, he never faltered, we need to know with that same certainty who he really is, so we can know who we really are. Then we won’t waver. Ask God to strengthen your inner being and make you as faithful as he is.

Four – Jesus was giving

Jesus gave of himself to disciple a few men so that many lives would be touched. He gave of his power so that many would be healed, delivered, and made whole. “If I then your Lord and teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you.” – John 13:14-15. His ultimate gift was his life. “Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example that you should follow his steps.” – 1 Peter 2:21. When we don’t feel we have anything to give, God supplies it all. “God is able to make all grace abound towards you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.” – 2 Corinthians 9:81. Pray that God will fill you with his good gift to give to those he brings into your life.

Five – Jesus was separate

Jesus was in the world, but he was apart of the world. He came to touch the world, but he never became like the world. He was separate from the world, he changed the world around him. We must pray that we can find that balance too. We can’t stay so separate that we have no touch with the outside world, nor can we be looking, loving, talking, and acting so much like the world that people don’t see anything different about us, Jesus never lost sight of where he was going. He always kept eternity in his perspective. We must do the same. Pray that you will always remember who you are, what you are called to do, and where you are going to spend eternity.

Six – Jesus was obedient

One of the most amazing things about Jesus was that even though he was Lord, he still did not do anything on his own. He prayed and prayed did not act until he had instructions from God. We must live that way too. “He who says he abides in him ought himself also to walk just as he walked.” – 1 John 2:6. Jesus was obedient to the point of death. Can there be any greater level of obedience? He did what he had to do because he knew the great things that would come out of it. We have to do the same, “looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.” – Hebrews 12:2-3. Ask God to help you die to yourself so that you can live for Him.

And Seven – Jesus was light

People are drawn to light, we want them to be drawn to the light of the Lord in us. Jesus said, “I am the Light of the world, he who follows me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” – John 8:12. We don’t want to walk in the dark. We want to be in the light as He is the light. Ask God to make you more like Christ so that everyplace you go, people will stop you and say, “Tell me what you know, What is this special thing you have? What must I do to get what you’ve got?” And you will be able to give them the reason for the light within you.

I love you Jesus.
Amen!