Imitating Jesus

Two preachers were having coffee one morning, and the conversation turned began to focus on their churches. They discussed attendance from the previous Sunday and what kind of response there had been to their sermons. Then one of them asked the other, "what was the size of his church." The reply was much larger than the preacher was expecting, so he asked if that was just those on the church roll or if it was actually active members. The other preachers said, "Both. All my members are active members." He continued, "About 40% of them are active for God and the rest are active for the devil, but they are all active!"

5 Ways To Be Like Jesus

This story, while not a true story, represents an important truth. Everyone is active on somebody's team. We may think we are neutral, but concerning spiritual matters, that is not really an option. According to Jesus, we are either "for Him, or against Him." Or, as the preacher said, "we are either active for God or active for the devil!" This is because to not be active for God is to be active for the devil.

Paul told Timothy that he should be an example to everyone. His youth did not excuse him from that responsibility. Neither does our age, or education level, or socio-economic status, or anything else. We are instructed to be imitators of Christ. We are called to walk in His steps, to follow Him, to be His ambassadors, to be the light of the world, and to be His very body in this world. Extenuating circumstances don't change the reality of that call on our lives.

Paul specifically tells Timothy to be an example in five broadly encompassing areas. This instruction is something all of us who bear the name "Christian" should personally take to heart. These five areas are Speech, Conduct, Love, Faith, and Purity. Let's look at these briefly since we should be intentional in being an example for Christ in these areas.

1. Speech: The Bible has much to say about our words, and there is no doubt that we must be careful to be a Godly example in our speech. We read about the value of an appropriate word, are warned against any unwholesome word, and instructed to let our speech be seasoned with grace even as food is seasoned with salt.

2. Conduct: Beginning with the Old Testament Law and carrying through the entirety of the New Testament, there is a consistent theme of how we should live as God's people. In Galatians 5, there is the contrast between the "deeds of the flesh" and "the fruit of the Spirit." Our conduct matters and our lives are a constant example, either good or bad.

3. Love: The motivation of our hearts should always be love. Genuine love is not simply an emotion or a feeling but a way in which we choose to live toward others. It is always based on truth, God's eternal, unchanging truth. It is selfless, service-oriented, and is willing to be sacrificial.

4. Faith: We are told in the scriptures that "without faith, it is impossible to please God." To be an example in our faith, that is, in our willingness to trust God and live surrendered to His will, is critical if we hope to be an example to others of how to live a life pleasing to God.

5. Purity: It is instructive that purity is singled out from speech and conduct in general. It is as if there is special emphasis being given to the importance of moral purity, which includes thoughts, words, and actions. I don't think moral purity is more important than other aspects of righteousness, but it is probably an area of greater temptation and struggle. Moral failure also has devastating consequences to whoever is involved or connected to the failure in any way. In an age and culture in which immorality is often celebrated, being an example of purity is challenging and incredibly important.

Whether good or bad, we should always remember that we are an example. We are indeed all active members. Let's make sure we are an example worthy of the name we bear as Christians.