Christians Are Called to Embody Christ
As Jim eloquently articulated in his recent sermon, being a Christian fundamentally means striving to be Christlike in every facet of our lives. It’s not merely about professing faith with our lips; it’s about embodying that faith through our actions, words, and thoughts. The journey of discipleship isn’t a one-time event but rather a continual process of aligning ourselves more closely with the character of Jesus.
Biblical Foundation: Mirror the Likeness of Christ
There is one calling for those who identify as Christians – to mirror the likeness of Christ. At the core of our faith lies not just a belief in Jesus, but a profound invitation to walk in His ways, to abide in Him, and to be transformed into His image. This truth resonates deeply within the ethos of Lakeview Christian Church, where the mandate to Study, Share, and Serve finds its roots in the very essence of Christ-likeness.
Scripture Reinforcement: John 14:6
Scripture reinforces this profound truth. In John 14:6, Jesus declares, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Here, Jesus emphasizes the intimate connection between knowing Him and knowing the Father. It’s a deeply personal relationship, one that necessitates an ongoing commitment to understanding and emulating the life of Christ.
Transformation Through Renewal: Romans 12:2
Furthermore, Romans 12:2 reminds us of the transformative power of conforming to Christ’s image: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” This verse underscores the importance of intentional renewal, allowing the truth of God’s Word to reshape our thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors. Being a Christian is far more than a title or a religion.
Living Out Christlikeness: A Collective Commitment
At Lakeview Christian Church in Portage Lakes, or any community of faith rooted in the teachings of Jesus, the call to be Christlike extends beyond individual spiritual growth. It encompasses a collective commitment to love others, to extend grace and mercy, and to embody the truth and love of Christ in tangible ways. Study, Share, and Serve become not just mere activities but expressions of our desire to follow Jesus more closely each day.
The Lifelong Journey of Christlikeness
The essence of Christianity lies in the pursuit of Christlikeness. It’s a lifelong journey of transformation, marked by a deepening intimacy with Jesus and a continual alignment with His character. As followers of Christ, let us heed the call to reflect His image in all that we do, for therein lies the true essence of our faith.
Drawing Lessons from Biblical Narratives
To expand on this understanding of being a Christian, let us draw insights from various Bible stories that exemplify Christlikeness and provide practical guidance for our journey of faith.
1. The Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37)
In this parable, Jesus illustrates the essence of loving our neighbors as ourselves. The Samaritan, traditionally viewed as an outsider, demonstrates compassion and practical care for a stranger in need. His actions reflect Christ’s commandment to love one another, transcending social boundaries and prejudices.
2. The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7)
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus lays out principles that challenge conventional wisdom and call for a higher standard of righteousness. He teaches about humility, forgiveness, and the transformative power of a pure heart. As we study these teachings, we are called to emulate Jesus’ character and live out the Beatitudes in our daily lives. This is what being a Christian really means being like Christ.
3. Saul’s Conversion To a Christian (Acts 9:1-19)
The transformation of Saul into the apostle Paul is a powerful example of God’s grace and the radical change that occurs when someone encounters Christ. From persecutor to preacher, Paul’s life reflects a complete turnaround, embodying the forgiveness and redemption available through Jesus Christ. His journey underscores the transformative power of Christlikeness in reshaping even the hardest of hearts.
4. Jesus’ Ministry of Healing and Compassion
Throughout the Gospels, we witness Jesus’ ministry of healing the sick, comforting the brokenhearted, and reaching out to the marginalized. His compassion and empathy for those in need serve as a model for us to follow. By engaging in acts of service and mercy, we mirror Christ’s love and bring hope to a hurting world.
5. The Last Supper and Jesus’ Sacrificial Love (John 13:1-17)
During the Last Supper, Jesus humbly washes the feet of His disciples, demonstrating servant leadership and sacrificial love. This profound act symbolizes His ultimate sacrifice on the cross and sets an example of humility and selflessness for His followers. As we partake in communion and remember Christ’s sacrifice, we are called to emulate His love in our relationships and interactions with others.
Conclusion: Embracing the Call to Christlikeness
Christin’s call to Christlikeness is both a personal journey and a communal commitment. It involves aligning our lives with the teachings and example of Jesus Christ, drawing strength from Scripture and the power of the Holy Spirit. As we immerse ourselves in God’s Word, engage in acts of compassion and service, and cultivate a heart of humility and obedience, we reflect the image of Christ to the world around us.
Let us, therefore, continue to grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18), seeking to embody His love, mercy, and truth in all that we do. May our lives be a testament to the transformative power of Christlikeness, inspiring others to follow in the footsteps of our Savior.
