Living Like Christ

     "Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.." - 1 Corinthians 11:1

     What does it mean to be a Christian? Does it mean God finds favor with us? Of course, just like any child finds favor in the eyes of their father, God is our Heavenly Father and we are His children who are all very precious to Him. Being a Christian means that we have accepted God's gift of salvation and have given our lives to Him to follow the amazing plan He has for each of us.

     There seems to be a lot of controversy as to how Christians should act. Some people may say that they believe in Christ and that is enough, but they can still do whatever they want because God loves them anyway. Yes, God loves them, but as a child disappoints a father, that sin is disappointing to their Heavenly Father.

     Others may say that they believe in Christ, and for the most part, they're good people, and the good outweighs the bad, so that's good enough. Just giving God what you deem to be 'good enough' will still disappoint Him. Revelation 3:15-16 says, "I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish that you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of my mouth." When you only give what you say is 'good enough' rather than giving Him your best, that is like an insult to Him. You absolutely cannot ride the fence. If you love Him, give Him your all, and He knows your heart, He knows where your true devotion lies. "Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties." - Psalm 139:23.

     Another group of people might say that the best way to act like a Christian would be to follow the example of Christ. In 1 Corinthians 11:1, Paul wrote to the people of Corinth to imitate him because he was imitating Christ. In essence, Paul didn't actually want the people to imitate him, but he wanted them to join him in imitating Christ, in acting like Christ, loving like Christ, teaching truth like Christ.

     I remember a movement that began years ago where everyone was using the phrase WWJD - What Would Jesus Do? While it was a good thought, the idea began to be over-used. People would wear the WWJD bracelets, but they didn't know what it meant. You could tell by their actions that they weren't applying that question to their lives, and they were only wearing it because it was a fad. Truthfully, though, according to Paul, we need to be applying that question to our lives every day. When we're faced with a decision, well, what would Jesus do about it? He would have us consult with Him (pray about it) rather than make any rash decisions on our own (Proverbs 3:5-6). When we're feeling angry, what would Jesus do about it? He would speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). When we're feeling depressed, what would Jesus do about our situation? He would encourage us to think about something positive, something noble, just, pure, lovely, and good report (Philippians 4:8).

     The bottom line is that a Christian should be living in a Godly, Christ-like manner.

     Why is that so important?

     When we call ourselves Christians, we become ambassadors for Christ. We bear His name - 'Christ'-ian, and therefore, we represent Him in everything we do.

     What do you want the world to think about Christ? As a Christian, it's YOU the world is looking at to find out why you say Christ is so amazing? You're a Christian, you can talk the talk, but will you walk the walk?