I have often wondered what people would think and say about me after I die. For me, and I think for any Christian, the greatest praise in the world would be for someone to say that they remember how we “acted just like Jesus.” It is funny how even secular, unbelieving people have a sense of who Jesus is or what He was like, even if they do not believe in Him. They always seem to know when a professed Christian is doing something right or wrong. Despite their unbelief, they seem unconsciously aware of the irrefutable evidence that Jesus left that He was someone known to be quite kind, loving, and compassionate. He cared for people. He was a healer, a restorer; even a radical reformer for His time.
If we are His followers, what does that say about us? If we abide in Him, we ought to walk like He did (1 John 2:6). That is quite a high calling. Could anyone mistake you or me for Jesus today? Is that even possible?
"And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come."
Matthew 24:14
If you closely examine this verse, it stands to reason that God is actually waiting for us. The end of all things is not solely dependent on world events and prophetic fulfillment's. Yes, God has a timetable; and yes, prophecy must and will be fulfilled. But because God cares so much about people, about us, He has given us an opportunity to be co-laborers with Him, in order to show the world what He is like — through us.
One of my favorite prolific female authors has some thought-provoking quotes in many of her writings. Consider this one sobering thought:
"Christ is waiting with longing desire for the manifestation of Himself in His church. When the character of Christ shall be perfectly reproduced in His people, then He will come to claim them as His own."1
Christ is calling us to spread the gospel in all the world in such a way that others can see a witness to the power of the gospel of this kingdom — in us. We are His witnesses! (Isaiah 43:10; Acts 1:8). But what is the gospel? It is the power of God unto salvation to everyone who believes (Romans 1:16). This means that everyone who spreads the gospel has — or should have — experienced the power of God in their own lives regarding this salvation that they proclaim. Christ in us — the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27). Christ being reproduced in us is the witness to the power of the gospel that the world is waiting to behold. They need to see a living witness of the Truth that real Christianity is actually attainable, authentic, and relevant. Possible — to be like Jesus? More than possible through Christ Jesus who strengthens us! (Philippians 4:13)
Pray Like Jesus
It cannot only be theorized. It cannot just be preached with words only. Salvation in Christ Jesus must be experienced. It must be fleshed out daily in our lives, such that others may see our good works and glorify our Father in Heaven (Matthew 5:16).
So how does all of this happen? We must pray to be like Jesus. In the uppermost part of our minds must be the desire not simply to be religious, but to be like Jesus. We must know Him in order to be like Him. We cannot do it in our own strength; so the only way to attain it is to pray and ask Him to transform us (Romans 12:1-2).
We would all do well to pray daily to ask God to make us like Jesus. The Scriptures paint such a beautiful and attractive portrait of His character. Among other things, Jesus has shown us how to be a humble servant (Philippians 2:5-8). He has shown us how to be compassionate (Matthew 9:36). He has shown us how to be vulnerable (Luke 19:41). When was the last time you cried for others? He has shown us how to be a healer (Matthew 4:23-24), a critical part of our calling as Christians here on earth (James 5:14-15). He has shown us how to do justice and love kindness (Micah 6:8) as a radical reformer (Luke 4:18), calling us to care for the poor and disenfranchised (Isaiah 58:5-10). God is love (1 John 4:8); and so we are encouraged to love one another fervently (1 Peter 4:8).
Call to Action
I have a friend at work that I have known for years. Because she is not terribly interested in actual bible studies, I have asked God to make me a living bible study, just in our daily interactions at work. Though she struggles with her weight, she loves to walk; so three days a week, we walk together (at least 18 miles total). We talk about health and a healthy lifestyle; I have noticed her trying to make changes in that area. We walk early in the morning, before coming to work. I generally use that time together to share some of my personal testimony, and as the Spirit opens the way, weaving in a few of my biblical beliefs or thoughts on end time events. One day, she said a number of things to me about how she thinks I am so different, and how much she appreciates me. All honor and glory to God! It is not about me. It is all about God, and the salvation of those for whom He died. By God’s grace, I just want to be like Jesus.
Will you pray and ask God to make you like Jesus today?
All scripture taken from the King James Version.
- Ellen G. White, Christ’s Object Lessons (Battle Creek, Michigan: Review and Herald Publishing Association, 1900), 69.
