REFLECTING THE CHARACTER OF CHRIST

2/18/2020

One of the most important things that I am learning as a maturing Christian is just how important it is that I am reflecting the Character of Jesus in my life each and every day. Jesus made it clear throughout His life how each and every one of us was to live and act toward others. One of the most common complaints I hear in others who ask me about my faith is just how many Christians they encounter who are simply not living like the Word of God instructs them too. The common theme I hear is just how hypocritical so many Christians are. They talk about how Jesus can change someone’s life, and yet, they continue to live as they always have. Often they also seem to be judgmental of others, while continuing along their same path filled with bad habits. The life of a follower of Jesus clearly demands that we live a different life. Why does it seem so hard to embrace that concept ? When I look at my life, I feel like I have changed, and yet many times I catch myself thinking about less than Holy things, or engaging in conversation that would surely leave Jesus shaking His head at me….. It has become crystal clear that until we understand the character of Jesus, and strive with all our might to “Be Like Him, and Abide In Him”, our growth will be a slow and sputtering process. So I ask you this question. How do you define the Character of Jesus ? For me, the Scripture gives a very clear picture of just who Jesus was as a man, and His actions leave no doubt how we should be as men and women ourselves.

AND THE WORD BECAME FLESH, AND DWELT AMONG US,AND WE SAW HIS GLORY, GLORY AS OF THE ONLY BEGOTTEN FROM THE FATHER, FULL OF GRACE AND TRUTH. John 1:14

FOR IT WAS FITTING FOR US TO HAVE SUCH A HIGH PRIEST, HOLY, INNOCENT, UNDEFILED, SEPARATED FROM SINNERS AND EXALTED ABOVE THE HEAVENS. Hebrews 7:26

JESUS SAID TO THEM, “MY FOOD IS TO DO THE WILL OF HIM WHO SENT ME AND TO ACCOMPLISH HIS WORK”. John 4:34

Through my reading of God’s word, I have come to learn a lot about Jesus as a person, and my Savior and Lord. He clearly lived to serve God The Father. Jesus was full of Grace and Truth in all He did. Jesus was also perfect in everything, being innocent, clean and undefiled, and set apart from sinners. As we read through scripture His actions and His teachings, we also see so much more. Jesus was the true picture of Love and Compassion. He cared greatly for all He came across in His life, and He was a true servant to all of those around Him. He was a champion of Justice, but also very able to be Gentle and Forgiving and find Patience to let those around Him learn and correct their failures. He showed us the importance of prayerfulness and commitment to the Commands of the Father, while being rock solid in the Ways of God and His Kingdom. Jesus was Humble, being forthright in Who He Was, but not needing to be the center of attention, shouting out “Look at Me” ! No, He actually spent most of His time with the least accepted of humanity, helping them overcome their circumstances. When I look at Jesus, my prayers are simple. “Lord, please let me become more like you, and help me to live as you did, shining your love and mercy into the world everywhere I go” !

HE HAS TOLD YOU, O MAN, WHAT IS GOOD; AND WHAT DOES THE LORD REQUIRE OF YOU BUT TO DO JUSTICE, AND TO LOVE KINDNESS, AND TO WALK HUMBLY WITH YOUR GOD. Micah 6:8

The beauty of growing in the Character of Jesus is that it also allows us to understand the power that we have in our relationship with Jesus and the His Kingdom. It opens up a deeper understanding of the gift of the Holy Spirit and allows us to be active and powerful in the Spiritual Gifts that we have been blessed with. Jesus has total authority in the Kingdom, and as His Followers, that power can be infused in us to bring His light into the world that we inhabit as well. If we are simply His in name only without a deep relationship and understanding we only brush the surface of how we can impact others and bring fruit to all we do in our lives. I have made the decision to know Jesus in a deep and personal way, and to shape myself as I believe He would want me to be, It takes effort and commitment. It takes a willingness to give up the things in your life that don’t reflect His Heart. The result of your effort is an amazing Peace and the Freedom to be everything that God wants you to be ! Seek after His Character. Find that personal relationship with Him. Dedicate yourself to change and find out just how amazing you can be by adopting all of Jesus into your life.

Be Changed and be Free in Him/JA

“BUT WHOSOEVER DRINKS OF THE WATER THAT I SHALL GIVE HIM WILL NEVER THIRST. BUT THE WATER THAT I SHALL GIVE HIM WILL BECOME IN HIM A FOUNTAIN OF WATER SPRINGING UP INTO EVERLASTING LIFE”. John 4:14