The Simplicity of Christ-likeness

Several months ago, I woke up with a sense of urgency and wrote the following in my journal:

Instead of lowering the bar to what we can do in our own power and to what we’ve settled for for so long, let’s return to Christ’s standard. Our true identity and purpose will be established when we see Him as He really is and begin to imitate Him, without mixture or compromise, in word and deed.

Who directed Jesus’ words?

As Jesus said…

“…My teaching is not My own, but His Who sent Me…He Who sent Me is true (reliable), and I tell the world [only] the things that I have heard from Him…I say [exactly] what My Father has taught Me…I tell the things which I have seen and learned at My Father’s side…I have never spoken on My own authority or of My own accord or as self-appointed, but the Father Who sent Me has Himself given Me orders [concerning] what to say and what to tell. And I know that His commandment is (means) eternal life. So whatever I speak, I am saying [exactly] what My Father has told Me to say and in accordance with His instructions…Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in Me? What I am telling you I do not say on My own authority and of My own accord…” Jn 7:16; 8:26, 28, 38; 12:49-50; 14:10 Amp

Who directed His actions?

Jesus said…

“…I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, the Son is able to do nothing of Himself (of His own accord); but He is able to do only what He sees the Father doing, for whatever the Father does is what the Son does in the same way [in His turn]… I am able to do nothing from Myself [independently, of My own accord—but only as I am taught by God and as I get His orders]. Even as I hear, I judge [I decide as I am bidden to decide. As the voice comes to Me, so I give a decision], and My judgment is right (just, righteous), because I do not seek or consult My own will [I have no desire to do what is pleasing to Myself, My own aim, My own purpose] but only the will and pleasure of the Father Who sent Me… I do nothing of Myself (of My own accord or on My own authority), but I say [exactly] what My Father has taught Me. And He Who sent Me is ever with Me; My Father has not left Me alone, for I always do what pleases Him… Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in Me?… the Father Who lives continually in Me does the (His) works (His own miracles, deeds of power)… I do as the Father has commanded Me, so that the world may know (be convinced) that I love the Father and that I do only what the Father has instructed Me to do. [I act in full agreement with His orders.]…” Jn 5:19, 30; 8:28, 29; 14:10, 31 Amp

And how does this apply to us?

“…Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus…” Phil 2:3-8

Just as Jesus imitated our Father…

“You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Matt 5:48

Here’s a principle:

“A pupil is not superior to his teacher, but everyone [when he is] completely trained (readjusted, restored, set to rights, and perfected) will be like his teacher.” Lk 6:40 Amp

As we behold HIM with an unveiled face, we are transformed into the “SAME IMAGE” from glory to glory (2 Cor. 3:18).

“Look carefully how you walk.” Eph 5:15

Imitate Christ (Eph. 5:1; 1 Cor. 11:1). Follow in His steps (1 Pet. 2:21). He is the Head of His Body, the Church (Eph. 5:23). He is the Head of every man (1 Cor. 11:3). That is, unless we think we’re our own head or that someone or something else is our head. Who cares what others are doing or not doing, saying or not saying. What is that to us? Follow Him! (Jn. 21:22)

Those who say they abide in Him ought to walk “in the same manner as He walked” (1 Jn. 2:6), to “walk in the Light as He is in the Light” (1 Jn. 1:7).

It’s easy to “lift Him up” in praise and worship. It’s popular with the masses. But how about we “lift Him up” as the standard of what it means to be a “normal” Christian? Then, our lives will become praise and worship to Him rather than something we do for an hour on Sunday’s or do when the music is playing. All things will be summed up in Him, but it has to start in you and in me, in us.

All of creation is groaning for the manifestation of the sons of God (Rom. 8:19). How much longer must it groan? If not us, who? If not now, when?

And, by the way, if you think this is impossible to do, you’re exactly right! Only those who are crucified with Christ can live this, so that they no longer live but Christ lives in them (Gal 2:20; 3:27; Rom. 6:4). As the prophet said…

“…Not by might, nor by power, BUT BY MY SPIRIT, saith the LORD of hosts” Zech 4:6

Our only responsibility is to DIE! As Jesus said…

“If anyone desires to be My disciple, let him deny himself [disregard, lose sight of, and forget himself and his own interests] and take up his cross and follow Me [cleave steadfastly to Me, conform wholly to My example in living and, if need be, in dying, also].” Matt. 16:24 Amp

This is the Christian life, the simplicity of being like Jesus.