There is a nature God places on us to guide us through life. Life is a journey, and we must walk in the purpose of God to remain connected to Him.
Romans 8:28-31 reminds us that all things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose. God has a definite plan for everyone who belongs to Him. As believers, our lives must align with that divine purpose.
Psalm 17:15 says, "As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness."
Many people have been in church for years and claim to have given their lives to Christ, yet they are not walking in God's plan. Righteousness is different from charismatism. Spiritual activities and gifts are not substitutes for obedience to God's purpose.
Philippians 1:20-21 says:
"According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain."
May nothing make you a politician in church, chasing shadows while forgetting the utmost call. The hallmark of Christianity is to be like Christ.
Christ-likeness is the process of reflecting the attitude and character of Christ in our daily lives. As 2 Corinthians 3:18 declares:
"But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord."
Christians should bear a striking resemblance to Christ. If our daily lives reflect Christ, the Gospel becomes easier to preach because people will first see Him in us before they hear about Him from us.
Billy Graham once said, "When you lose your wealth, you lose nothing. When you lose your health, you lose something. When you lose Christ, you lose everything."
In a similar context, Martin Luther King Jr. also said that the true measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands in times of challenge and controversy.
Jesus Himself faced trials that would define His mission and fulfill God's plan for the redemption of humanity. He could have called legions of angels to destroy His mockers and persecutors, yet He chose submission.
Isaiah 53:7 records: "He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter."
When He was arrested, Jesus said in Luke 22:52-53:
"When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness."
Talent is a gift, but character is a choice. Joshua 24:15 makes it clear that decision-making is essential for anyone who desires to follow God: "And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve."
Exodus 23:2 warns us: "Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil."
Isaiah 30:21 adds: "And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it."
The fact that everybody is doing something does not make it right. Christianity should show the world a better way through our conduct, conflict resolution, speech, and lifestyle. We must refuse to follow the multitude into error. Instead, we must walk the narrow path marked by the footsteps of Christ.
Acts 11:26 records that "the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch." They earned that identity because their lifestyle and conduct reflected Christ even after He was no longer physically present on earth.
I remember a traditional ruler speaking during a funeral service I conducted. He observed that many Christians have become too heavenly conscious and earthly irrelevant. In other words, the lives we live fail to impact the people around us because we are focused on heaven while neglecting our earthly responsibility as witnesses of Christ.
THE REALITY OF CHRISTIANITY: Christianity is not merely a religious identity. It is a life of total surrender and continuous transformation into the image of Christ.
HOW TO BECOME LIKE CHRIST
1. Through Total Yielding and Surrender to God
Anyone who must follow Jesus must do so according to His requirements. Luke 9:62 says:"No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God."Following Christ requires wholehearted commitment. We cannot surrender partially and expect complete transformation.
2. By the Indwelling Spirit of God: 2 Corinthians 3:18 teaches that we are transformed into Christ's image by the Spirit of God. Romans 8:9 further declares: "Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his." Without the Holy Spirit, genuine transformation is impossible. Paul expressed deep concern for the church in Galatia when he cried out in Galatians 3:1:
"O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth?"
Believers must remain yielded to the Holy Spirit and steadfast in the truth of God's Word.
3. God's Final Purpose: God's purpose for every believer is a continuous process of transformation that culminates in eternal life.1 John 3:2-3 says: "Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure."God's intention is that our journey with Him ends in eternity with Him. To achieve this, we must continually purify ourselves and avoid grieving the Holy Spirit.
SOME KEY AREAS IN WHICH WE MUST BE LIKE CHRIST
1.Humility
Philippians 2:7 says: "But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant."Christ demonstrated humility by laying aside His glory and serving humanity.
2. Service
John 13:14-15 says: "If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you."A Christ-like believer serves others willingly and sacrificially. May our lives continually reflect Christ until His image is fully formed in us.
Amen.
Pastor samson Badare
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