Called to Be Christ-Like

“Have this same attitude in yourselves which was in Christ Jesus: looking to Him as your example in selfless humility” (Philippians 2:5 Amplified Bible)

Welcome back dear student, when a baby is born people try to figure out ‘who does he or she look like?’ Some folks are literally the image of a parent, or they might talk or walk just like them. It can be more than just genes; from spending time with someone we can grow to be like them too – both good and bad!

“When God created mankind He said, ‘let Us make man in Our image’….so God created man in His Own image, in the image and likeness of God He created him, male and female He created them.” (Genesis 1:26-27).

God’s plan was to replicate Himself in us. Sin got in the way though, creating a terrible breach between God and man, for God is Holy and Righteous. So, He sent His Son Jesus to bridge that gap by paying for our sins on the Cross with His sinless, perfect Blood.

Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life and no one comes to the Father except through Him (John 14:6).

Now, because the sins were taken care of, anyone who believes in Jesus, and repents of sin, and acknowledges Jesus as Lord and Saviour can be restored into relationship with God the Father (Romans 10:9). That’s the Gospel in a nutshell – it’s Good News! Then begins a new way of life for the believer. The lead Scripture above advises us to have the same attitude as Jesus had. He humbly served the Father, giving Him Glory in all He did.

The Lord Jesus laid down His divine rights and privilege to empty Himself, taking on the likeness of man - but not the sin nature, so that man could take on the likeness of God through faith in Him. (Philippians 2:5-11). We become more like Jesus by learning His ways.

"...that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness" (Ephesians 4:22-24).

This means that we leave behind our old self – old habits and patterns - and instead live in obedience to God’s Word - glorifying Him in all we do and say by the power of His Holy Spirit. It’s a lifestyle. “For Barnabas was a good man (privately and publicly, his godly character benefitted both himself, and others), and he was full of the Holy Spirit, and full of faith in Jesus the Messiah, through Whom believers have everlasting life. And a great number of people were brought to the Lord” (Acts 11:24).

The same in public as in private!

John wrote that those who live in God should live their lives as Jesus did (1 John 2:6). Many call themselves Christian, but don’t live Christ-like. In a world obsessed with ‘followers’ choosing to follow Jesus is not just words or a trend. Faith without works is dead (James 2:14-26). But our faith is not based on good works alone, for if it was, then Jesus would never have had to suffer and die for our sins. Denying self is the cross Jesus spoke of taking up (Luke 9:23). Putting to death the flesh: over-riding one’s own wants, for God’s. Jesus only did and said what He saw the Father do (John 5:19; John 12:49). Submission is living yielded, to the Spirit of God.

So, what was Christ like?

He was Righteous, humble, and accountable to God. He healed people. He told the Truth – ‘go and sin no more’ (John 8:11). He came to love and not judge. He redeemed and reconciled – seeking out the lost. He had compassion for others, and met them where they were at, whilst not becoming defiled by how they lived. And the Lord Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever - and He does not change.Jesus lived outside of the opinions and fears of others, fearing only the opinion of God.

Lord, may we become more Christ-like.