Live Like Jesus
Many of us are like the prodigal son, confusedly meandering through life as we choose shady paths and make unwise decisions. All the while, failing at learning how to live like Jesus did. Some of our choices provide for us valuable life experiences. But often, our foolish choices only bring sorrow and regret to us and our families.
Fortunately, there is a clear and simple path to follow as we make our way through life. Jesus Christ showed us the correct way to live. He provided for us clear examples in His own life. His teachings aren’t meant to hinder or restrict us, but rather to help us live well and be happy. Jesus is “the way, the truth, and the life.” (John 14:6)
You Are Not Meant To Be His Servants
God did not create you because He needed a servant. He created you because He wanted someone who would manifest His character and His nature. This is a truth we must never forget. John 15:15, Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant know not what his lord does: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.
It is easy to get sidetracked into imaging that service for God is the primary purpose of our salvation in Christ. Many believers make this mistake – I’ve believed this lie most of my life.
Our Father in Heaven and the Holy Spirit in our hearts are both working towards one goal – that we become more like Jesus. The more we become like our Lord in character, the more we will live on Earth as He lived.
To Love And Serve One Another
From Jesus’ teachings, we learn to honor our parents and love our children. We learn to cling to our spouses. Helping people in need and visiting and assisting the sick and elderly are other things Jesus taught. In turn, we can teach our children to develop empathy for others. We can also teach them to honor their parents and respect and serve other people.
Chastity Before Marriage And Fidelity During Marriage
The Lord showed us the way to love. Those of the world say that what really matters is that two people love each other. Jesus teaches us more: that there is an authorized way and time to express that love. Reserving sex for marriage and staying true to our spouse prevents the heartache and complications associated with sexually transmitted diseases, unwanted pregnancies, diminished trust and broken families.
How To Raise Children
During His life on Earth Jesus was very compassionate with children. He defended them and, by His example, taught us to be patient and loving toward children. Parents have the obligation to teach their children right and wrong. What happens inside the home is far more important than what our children encounter outside.
How To Pray
Jesus’s disciples often witnessed Him praying. We are taught to pray so that we can draw nearer to God. Whether we want to give thanks, need help with a certain situation or just comfort after a bad day, we can turn to God in prayer. Our Heavenly Father knows us, loves us, and wants to help. He knows best how to help. You are not a spiritual orphan!
He Taught Self-Control
Jesus commanded us to refrain from lying and stealing. He taught that we shouldn’t be idle and that we should be engaged in good works. Christ also warned against coveting. When we’re obedient to His commandments and we temper our appetites and passions, we grow spiritually. We feel peace in doing what is right.
There are dozens more teachings we could add to this list.
- He loved all people. Of all types. Ugly. Beautiful. Rich. Poor.
- He had integrity. Honesty.
- He was warm, compassionate, kind.
- Jesus was loyal.
- He was humble.
- If others chose not to believe Him, He didn’t continue to try to please them.
- He was generous. Never selfish.
- He forgave easily. Quickly.
There are so many more examples I could give of the kind of person Jesus was.
Living Life Like Jesus Lived
1 John 2:6 tells us, “He that says he abides in Him ought himself also so to walk, even as He walked..”
Do you claim to abide in Christ? Does your walk look like His?
I know you could argue that Jesus was perfect. And He was. We can still aspire to that perfection, just as we can aspire to have a perfectly beautiful, clean, and organized house and the fact that it will get messed up again doesn’t stop us. So why should striving to be perfect like Jesus, stop us? It’s a daily choice to live like Jesus.
I don’t know about you, but I claim to abide in Christ. And I want to aspire to be like Him. I may need to work on some areas more than others – but I’m trying.
How about you? Are you striving to live like Jesus? Let me know some of your struggles and triumphs with a comment here…
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