When thinking about living like the King of kings and the Lord of lords it could easily becoming intimidating to “mere mortals”. However, it is imperative that we fully understand that although Jesus was fully God, he was also fully human. This realization then, gives hope to us still living on earth. Below are some practical tips for living as God intended for His ambassadors to live. And the shocking part about it is… it’s not as farfetched as the world would have us believe. As Christians follow these simple life remedies modeled by the life of Jesus, we will resemble Him more and more daily; seemingly without effort. So read on and let’s begin to look, sound, think, and live like Jesus… I promise it’s so simple it’s startling!
Love
This is the numereo uno characteristic that Christians must inherit if we are ever to model the life of our Lord Jesus. He learned to love people regardless of fault and sinful nature. Even when it hurt or caused Him harm (see: The Crucifixion of Jesus), Jesus was willing to love on purpose for a purpose. When we begin to love like Him without reservation, we will model the character of Christ to a world void of his nature.
Patience
In my early Christian walk, there was nothing appealing about reading the words “long suffering’ in the Bible… well at least not in my mind. I immediately began to question God’s motivation for wanting His little ones to suffer long! That did not sound like a God whom I was willing to serve because he wanted me to suffer... and not only suffer, but suffer LONG!
But, what I later learned, as I matured, was that God desires for His children to have stamina not found in today’s microwave pop culture. He wants His children to possess unrelenting faith even in bleak life struggles and obstacles. Because God knows that when we harness the greatness of patience, this virtue will rest with us regardless of the turmoil that may surround us on every side. With patience as our guide, Christians assume the position of victor even when losing seems the only feat that will prevail.
It’s something about a consistent, patient Christian… we are able to speak a thing that be not as though it were and have the tenacity to see it into full physical manifestation!
Kindness
I found myself struggling with being kind many a days in my life. Why? Because sometimes being mean seems to be the correct response to the smugness and ill temper with which we encounter in the world. When the lady in the side cubicle constantly cuts her eyes at you it’s so much easier to return her “favor.” When the driver cuts you off on the road, fleshly desires often prompt you to give Mr. Road Rage a piece of your mind. But, it’s something strange that occurs when Christians decide to be kind in the face of adversity. It puzzles the enemy. People will begin to wonder why you always react to their unseemly antics with a smile and a song of joy. When regardless of how hard they attempt to destroy your peace, you continue to bless them with your words, actions, and demeanor. And the ending result of a confused enemy is… he retreats.
By exhibiting these three characteristics consistently on a daily basis we will notice our countenance change. As we begin to look in the mirror we will see in ourselves the eyes of our savior as we wash our faces. As we continue to walk in righteousness, we will notice how our very steps resemble that of Jesus’ who treaded the very ground that we now use. And as we continue to speak life, we’ll hear the very voice that preached to the lost, healed the sick, and converted the world to His standards and way.
So, if being living like Jesus is your life’s motivation… here are the steps. And as these three steps become a part of your characteristic life… you’ll one day look up and realize, like Enoch, you have been raptured up by your eternal heavenly Father!
Try Jesus Living!
Nikki D
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