Imitating Christ in his character

I am becoming more and more convinced that the gospel of grace is not only for unbelievers, but also for believers. In our walk with Christ we need grace not to lose the Christocentric focus and our minds and hearts are strengthened every day to go through deserts and trials and on the other hand, experience the joy of being children of God. In brief words, the teachings that Jesus bequeathed to us about the character that his disciples should have cannot be summarized based on his example.

Character speaks of integrity and convictions. From the biblical point of view, Christian character is manifested in a life of integrity by the grace and power of the Holy Spirit. The inner man feeds on the Spirit and lives by the Spirit to manifest in his life the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5.22-23). The Christian character is to live in practice what is preached in words. Nothing is more sad and frustrating than discovering a life of double standards in a servant of God, in a brother of faith that we love and respect.

Jesus exemplified consistency and integrity at all times. He did not hesitate to rebuke the enlightened of the law of his time (Mt 16.6), to turn the table of the moneychangers in the temple (John 2.15), to admonish his disciples when their attitudes did not correspond to the example that He gave them. (John 18.11).

The Bible is our code of ethics because it is the inspired word of God and establishes the moral principles that human beings need in order not to lose their way. It is the pilgrim's compass that always leads us to the safe haven to rest peacefully without fear of failure, deficiencies and stumbling blocks. God's word is helpful in shaping our Christlike character. It may sound a bit exaggerated, but there is no doubt that it is. Let your character be without greed, content with what you have, because He Himself has said: "I will never leave you nor forsake you," (Hebrews 13.5)

God longs to express his moral character through us, and the Bible encourages us to try. Jesus is our role model in the moral order. God longs for us to follow the example of Christ because He is holy and expects the sanctification process to be a reality in every believer from the evangelical perspective: “… but just as the One who called you is Holy, so may you also be holy in all their way of life ”(1 Peter 1:15).

From the biblical perspective, holiness encompasses two directions that correspond to the most important commandment that Jesus bequeathed to us: our intimate relationship with God and our relationship with others (believers and non-believers): May the God who instills encouragement and perseverance grant you live together in harmony, according to the example of Jesus Christ. (Ro 15.5). We could list the attributes of Jesus' character, but the purpose is for you to discover them in your daily devotion. The gospel speaks for itself of our Savior.

Are we humble enough? Do we love our neighbor - believers and unbelievers - as ourselves? In what aspects of Jesus' character - compassionate, sacrificial, upright, loving, godly, humble, obedient, righteous - must we still grow with the help of the Spirit?

“Christ suffered for us, leaving us an example so that you may follow in his footsteps; who did no sin, nor was guile found in his mouth ”(1 Peter 2:21, 22).

My prayer is that we look to Jesus to live quiet lives that please God and glorify our Savior. For you were astray as sheep, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls. (1 Peter 2.25).

'God bless you!