LIKE CHRIST OR CHRISTLIKE?
When asked, ‘what does it mean to be a Christian?’ The quick answer is typically, ‘to be Christlike.’
Simple, right? Yes and no.
All too often people reverse the order of the words so they read LIKE CHRIST. In doing so, the meaning of the words is changed and therefore behavior becomes the primary focus. People think the goal is to act like Christ; imitate his example as a great man, teacher and spiritual leader. They think doing things that please God will make him love them more.
This is NOT the way it works. Rather, when people put their faith in Jesus Christ, they are born again. In short, they are born of the Holy Spirit just like Christ himself (virgin birth). Christians actually become children of God – members of the Father’s family. Wow!
Do you see the difference between acting LIKE CHRIST and being CHRISTLIKE?
When Christians understand who they are in Christ, they are motivated by the Spirit to act accordingly. Behavior does not dictate their status or position in the family of God. Rather, their understanding of this son- or daughter-ship in his family empowers and motivates them to follow the Holy Spirit’s leading. This sets the course for new behavior which helps them act LIKE CHRIST.
