CHRISTLIKENESS

“ For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps…”

(1 Pet. 2:21)

The context of the above Scripture is endurance of unjust suffering and commitment of ourselves to God during such times. It also mentions in the same setting Christ’s not sinning and bearing others sins. Those who believe we should follow Him in every respect would have a problem with following Him in the latter of these two cases.

In recent years there was a popular slogan among Christians, “What would Jesus do?” But it is not so much what He would do in particular situations but what would He think. It is not in actions first, but in attitude we are to major; not in His practice but in His principles that we’re to concern ourselves. YES! Most certainly we are to act, but not in kind, but in spirit.

Paul speaking to the Corinthian Church concerning his young protege Titus wrote, “...walked we not in the same spirit? walked we not in the same steps?” (2 Cor. 12:18) It is not in exactness, but example. Elisha had Elijah’s spirit, but didn’t always do things just like his mentor, but did them with like spirit. They were complete opposites, but had the same spirit in actions.

We do not go into churches and drive out money-making schemers, but we can detest and speak out concerning the commercialism of things. We don’t wash feet when people enter our homes after a long journey, but we can humbly serve and refresh them. We’re not literally to be crucified, as some in the Philippines at Easter season; but we can and should be in spirit, daily!

Moses was not aware his face shone after being with God, but the people around him were. Worrying about yourself being Christlike can become a very narcissistic thing. It is not important that you see it; it’s crucial others do. Let’s concern ourselves with being true to Christ, giving Him our undying loyalty; the other will take care of itself.