Imitating Christ’s 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 so that we do not lose our Christ-centered focus and so that our minds and hearts are strengthened each day to make it through the deserts and trials

and, on the other hand, to experience the joy of being children of God. The teachings Jesus left us, through His example, about the character His disciples should have cannot be summed up in a few words.

Character speaks of integrity and convictions. From a biblical point of view, Christian character is manifested in a life of integrity through the grace and power of the Holy Spirit. The inner person is nourished by the Spirit and lives by the Spirit, so that the fruit of the Spirit may be manifested in their life (Galatians 5:22–23). Christian character means putting into practice what one preaches in words. Nothing is sadder or more frustrating than discovering a double life in a servant of God, in a fellow believer whom we love and respect.

Jesus was an example of consistency and integrity at all times. He did not hesitate to rebuke the learned teachers of the law of His day (Matt. 16:6), to overturn the money changers’ table in the temple (John 2:15), or to admonish His disciples when their attitudes did not match the example He set for them (John 18:11).

The Bible is our code of ethics because it is the inspired word of God and sets forth the moral principles human beings need in order not to lose their way. It is the pilgrim’s compass, always leading us to a safe refuge where we can rest peacefully without fear of failure, want, or stumbling. The word of God is useful for molding our character into the likeness of Christ. It may sound somewhat exaggerated, but there is no doubt that it is so. Let your character be free from the love of money, content with what you have, for 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 model to follow in moral matters. God longs for us to follow Christ’s example because He is holy and expects the process of sanctification to become a reality in every believer from an evangelical perspective: “…but just as He who called you is holy, so you also be holy in all your conduct” (1 Peter 1:15).

From a biblical perspective, holiness extends in two directions that correspond to the most important commandment Jesus left us: our intimate relationship with God and our relationship with others (believers and unbelievers): May the God who gives encouragement and perseverance grant you to live together in harmony, following the example of Christ Jesus (Rom. 15:5). We could make a list of the attributes of Jesus’ character, but the purpose is for you to discover them in your daily devotions. The gospel speaks for itself about our Savior.

Are we humble enough? Do we love our neighbors—believers and unbelievers—as ourselves? In which aspects of Jesus’ character—compassionate, self-sacrificing, upright, loving, devout, humble, obedient, just—do we still need to grow with the help of the Spirit?

“Christ suffered for us, leaving us an example that you should follow in His footsteps; He committed no sin, nor was deceit found in His mouth” (1 Peter 2:21–22).

My prayer is that we will look to Jesus so that we may live peaceful lives that please God and glorify our Savior. For you were straying like sheep, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls (1 Peter 2:25).

God bless you!