Life Like Jesus
As we live our life as Christians we realize more and more that we are to be like Christ, per the word Christian which translates Like Christ. But I sure do fail in doing that, even though I have a desire to be like Him. The way Jesus handled life is so awesome and very intimidating. Awesome in the way He always had a higher purpose in what He said and did, and intimidating as His perfection shines in the most basic and pure truth imaginable. Without getting too surreal in this explanation let me just say that the teachings of Jesus far surpass any thoughts we might have about life itself and He shares those thoughts with us through His example and His Word, the Bible. When we learn to imitate who Jesus is we begin to see our life in a whole different way and the picture we see come into focus is one of surrender and power at it's base level. Paul realized this power and this surrender and it propelled him on his missionary journeys that had him travel with the gospel for over 10,000 total miles. 10,000!! That is like walking or riding a camel to California and back over two times all for the intent of sharing this gospel we follow and proclaim. Astounding!!
And for that very reason Paul's words in 1 Corinthians 11:1 really make sense, as they did to the church at Corinth.j . 1 Corinthians 11:1 Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ. Paul could truly say about being like Jesus like this. "That is who I am." Paul's identity was like Jesus and the world was never the same when that great surrender and that great power was unleashed in his life. Paul was perfectly willing to give his life for Christ and almost did many times. Tradition states that Paul was beheaded for his faith as part of Nero's persecution of Christians following the great fire of AD 64. Peter also gave his life for Christ and was traditionally known to be crucified, but upside down because he felt unworthy to die in the same manner of Jesus. And in 1 Peter 2:21 where Peter says "21 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps." there is very deep call to live for Christ from a man who gave his life for the message of Christ.
Our modern day version of Life Like Jesus is centered around surrendering our will to follow Him, but so far we have not had to give our life physically for the gospel. And in our weakened condition even surrendering our "will" to Jesus at times is difficult to grasp. Thus the ongoing trap of almost offering people money just to get them to come to a church service. This should not be and it is an open mockery to the gospel to have to talk people into serving the Lord through His church. In retrospect we can easily see that the desire for living like Jesus should compel us to share His gospel wherever we go and thus continue the work of the early apostles, including Paul. Jesus said it this way in John 13: 13-17 13 You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am.14 If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet.15 For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.16 Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him.17 If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.
So where do we go from here? Immerse yourself in God's Word, particularly the gospels and find out more about Jesus and live like He did. And then everything else will fall into place as never before. Why? Because you will come to realize the essence of who Jesus is and then that essence will begin a change, a process that draws you into a Life Like Jesus. Paul wrote in Galatians 3:27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. I say YES AND AMEN...
The Pilgrimage Continues.....
David Warren