More Than Just Belief
Have you ever wondered what it would look like if the church was known not just for its beliefs, but for how it lives? This question challenges us to think beyond mere attendance and embrace a deeper sense of belonging – one that involves actively participating in God's mission together.
The Christian life isn't meant to be a weekly meeting or a part-time commitment. It's a bold calling to become the people and church that God has envisioned. But let's be honest – life is busy. Work, parenting, finances, and never-ending to-do lists can make it seem impossible to fully engage with our faith. Yet, there's always more to discover in our spiritual journey, because God never finishes with us on this side of heaven.
So what does it mean to truly live like Jesus? The Apostle Peter gives us a clue in 1 Peter 2:21: "For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps." Jesus left us a template, a pattern to follow. This isn't just for the spiritual elite – it's a calling for all believers.
To live like Jesus, we must first immerse ourselves in Scripture. The gospels paint a vivid picture of how Jesus lived and what He did, while the rest of the New Testament explains how His way of living transforms every aspect of our lives. But knowledge alone isn't enough. We must set our hearts' intention to obey and follow what we read about Jesus.
A simple yet powerful daily prayer can help set this intention:
"Father, today I am going to be tempted to listen to my flesh and follow my desires. But I intend to listen and follow the way of Jesus in everything. Lead me to follow your son today, Father. Amen."
This prayer helps us refocus amidst the countless demands that vie for our attention each day.
Living like Jesus isn't easy – in fact, it will cost us everything. Jesus doesn't ask for a portion of our lives; He wants it all. This complete surrender might seem daunting, but it's actually the most loving demand He can make of us. By giving up our old selves, we make room for the new creation He wants us to become.
The story of Jim and Elisabeth Elliot powerfully illustrates this sacrificial love. Jim, a missionary in Ecuador, felt called to share the gospel with a tribe that had never heard it. This decision ultimately cost him his life when he was killed by tribal warriors. Two years later, his wife Elisabeth returned to the same tribe, sharing Jesus' love and bringing the gospel to their community. Their story embodies Jim's famous quote:
"He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose."
Following Jesus' example isn't about adding more tasks to our to-do list. It's about surrendering our lives to live as He lived. The result? Abiding peace, a life penetrated by love, unwavering faith, enduring hope, and the power to stand up against evil. It's the abundant life Jesus promised in John 10:10.
But living like Jesus isn't just about personal transformation – it's also about making disciples. Jesus' final command to His followers was clear: "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you" (Matthew 28:19-20). This isn't a passive or reactionary command, but an active and intentionally proactive one.
Making disciples doesn't require having everything figured out. It's about being faithful with what we know and inviting others into a deeper relationship with God. Like ripples in a pond, our impact can spread far beyond what we can see. As the apostle Paul instructed in 2 Timothy 2:2, we're to entrust what we've learned to faithful individuals who can then teach others.
So how do we live out this gospel-centered life in practical ways? The early church in Acts 2:42-47 provides a beautiful example. They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, broke bread together in their homes, worshipped together, and lived in such a way that attracted others to their community. Their faith wasn't just about what they believed – it was about how they lived.
This way of living had a profound impact on the ancient world. During two devastating plagues that swept across the Roman Empire, Christians stood out for their compassion, caring for the sick and dying when others had abandoned them. Their actions spoke louder than words, leading many to ask about Jesus and ultimately transforming the Roman Empire.
We can follow their example by practicing radical hospitality, opening our lives and homes to others. We can share our stories of how Jesus has changed us, living in such a way that our light shines and others notice the difference Christ makes. And we can join God where He's already at work, participating in His ongoing mission in the world.
Imagine a church so permeated with the Spirit of God that it transforms every aspect of community life. A church that doesn't just focus on itself, but actively partners with and helps its broader community. A church where every gathering is filled with anticipation of what Jesus will do in and through His people. A church where lives are changed, people are growing to live like Jesus, and everyone is learning to love and be loved.
This vision isn't just a dream – it's a possibility. God can do far more than we could ever imagine or dream. It all starts when a community comes together and commits to following Jesus wherever He leads, trusting that He has already done all that was needed to rescue and save us.
As we reflect on these truths, let's challenge ourselves to move beyond mere belief to truly living like Jesus. What one habit can you cultivate over the next month to grow in Christlikeness? Whether it's practicing Sabbath rest, engaging in silence and solitude, diving deeper into Scripture, intensifying your prayer life, or reaching out to your community, take that first step today. Remember, the journey of following Jesus isn't about perfection – it's about progress and faithfulness. Let's embark on this adventure together, living like Jesus to do what Jesus did.