A Christian is the one whose life is built on truth in Christ Jesus. Acts 11: 26 says… it was in Antioch that the disciples were first called “Christians.” Paul used himself and the Corinthians as examples when he wrote in 1 Corinthians 2: 16 but we have the mind of Christ. To live like Christ, we must have the mind of Christ Jesus which is purity and holiness. How can we achieve this?
Take the yoke of Christ
Paul wrote in Hebrews 4: 15… we have one who in every respect has been tested as we are, yet without sin. Since Christ was without sin, a Christian must also be without sin. Jesus said in Matthew 11: 29 take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Jesus means we must be kind and self-effacing to his Spirit. We need Jesus to aid us.
Be led by the Holy Spirit
The grace of God enables us to receive the Holy Spirit. John 14: 26 says but the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you. As human beings, we may forget and err or operate in ignorance and thereby associate with sin. In such times, the Holy Spirit will plead on our behalf, open our hearts to what we ordinarily do not know, and remind us of what we have forgotten. Only the Holy Spirit can perfect us in Christ Jesus.
Seek God’s gift of grace
Paul described grace as God’s gift because it cannot be earned by works but given to everyone who accepts him by faith. Jesus assured us in 2 Corinthians 12: 9, my grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness. He also wrote in Ephesians 2: 8-9 for by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God — not the result of works, so that no one may boast. Grace overlooks our past out of God’s mercy and love. It is not by work as we suppose.
Obey God’s commandments
Jesus summarized the commandments into two statements in Mark 12:29-31… hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one; you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength… you shall love your neighbour as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these. The chaos in this world and rebellion against God stems from the absence of divine love for one another and for God. If we love God, we will not disobey him. If we love our neighbour we will not offend him and also forgive offences. Let love lead in Christ Jesus.
Avoid misconceptions
We must desire to grow spiritually. Paul wrote in Ephesians 4: 14 we must no longer be children, tossed to and fro and blown about by every wind of doctrine, by people’s trickery, by their craftiness in deceitful scheming. Engaging in these will ruin our faith in God. We are enjoined in Titus 2: 1 to teach what is sound doctrine. We are also cautioned in 2 Timothy 4: 3 to put up with sound doctrine and to avoid itching ears and desist from engaging in our own desires (paraphrased). Only God knows a true Christian.
Prayer
Dear Lord Jesus, I desire to be like you. Let me humbly follow your footsteps so I may be like you. I pray in your holy name, Amen!!
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