What it means to be Christ-like

[clara927]

When we are told to be Christ-like, what does it mean? This is a question I've asked myself and others repeatedly.

I’ve been to many houses of worship over the years. The Christian church has been my most familiar place of refuge. One thing that I noticed was similar throughout all of the denominations was the emphasis of Jesus as role model for every aspect of life. This is part of what I admired about church because I believed in his message and the way he lived life according to his message. However, I noticed that when confronted with present day issues like economic disparity and racial prejudice, church leaders and church members alike tended to discourage dialogue and actions that would produce real change.

I felt often that we hold up Jesus' life in words, but not so much in action. Jesus wasn't universally liked in his time and did many things many would deem as controversial. Matthew 21:12-13 is a good example of this: "12 Jesus entered the temple courts and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. 13 “It is written,” he said to them, “‘My house will be called a house of prayer,’[e] but you are making it ‘a den of robbers.’" I'm sure that the merchants had been there for years undisturbed, but Jesus challenged something that was acceptable to most of society, but unacceptable to an inner moral code. People often forget that Jesus was an agent of major change and a lot of us don't want to rock the boat.

One theme I saw over and over again in churches, was the emphasis on our unworthiness. Humility is a virtue that’s good for not allowing the ego to take over. However, when you believe that you are so unworthy that you can not attempt to follow Jesus’ example… When you feel that you are so sinful/ so inadequate that you cannot even attempt to stand up to face injustice or hypocrisy, then what good is feeling lowly? It seems to paralyzes people and sets them in their ways. As a result, nothing happens and no change is made or even attempted.

Often times, I've heard, "God needs to take care of it" and sometimes there's nothing we can do, but I don't believe that is the majority of cases. There is usually something we can do in nearly every situation. Yes, there are miracles and signs and angels, but how is God really going to work on this earth except through human beings? I believe that's the reason we are here.

[gruntal]

I remember a statement by the late John Lennon to the effect: "the Christ is an interesting person but the disciples seem thick and ordinary". Indeed there is a opinion that the Christain religion should properly be called the Religion of Paul (whose teachings predominate even though Paul never even met Jesus). The reason I bring this up is to differentiate between organizations thru the ages and on the other hand the source of their legitimacy and what influence they had. Being Christ like may be impossible to ever effectively translate into a difinitive group think although individuals could be considered to be so.

I think Christ like is altruistic; self sacrificing; a commitment to serving a Master that is not earthly; but eschews going against the establishment or even using it to achieve alitmate ends. Everything came before and after in response to that and a lot of that was very good and some wasn't. But it wasn't working and never would untill individuals changed and that was what Jesus tried to point out.

It is easy to say the church or goverment ect is to make nice things happen. It is just as easy to recall disasters that came about on purpose with the rationization of "we are doing this for your own good". Depending on how you look at it everyone is "getting involved". But to what purpose and with what moral code? Are the results unpredictable or just beyond our ability to know?

Even more to the point is rather G*d will bend the rules of the Cosmos for us just because we think we mean right. I have my doubts. Like the computer programer axion "garbage in garbage out". But even the harsh so-called Old Testiment has many stories of people who were of questionable character who made sacrifices to do what they thought was the right thing to do and were rewarded by G*d. So efforts are necessary for our "salvation" but I also think we need to constantly look back or at something or someone that epitomizes what we think it is all about. We do belive that person or diety did in fact accomplish that task their way with honor grace and diginity? We do believe that, don't we?!.

[clara927]

Hello Gruntal,

Just to clarify, I don't necessarily believe that Jesus has to be the ultimate role model for every single persons life. I don't think we have to follow every action step by step. Many people may eventually not look to other figures, historically, biblically or otherwise as role models, but shape themselves according to their own inner sense of morality. But for most people, reading about Jesus' life and what he stood for is a great place to start. You made a point about the church not being reliable for making "nice things happen". Maybe not, but I see no reason the church (or a church) can not be used in that way. Of course, all change starts with the individual, but that doesn't mean we can't work in groups. We can form new groups to work towards a purpose or reformulate the old ones. It usually takes more than one person to change things.... When I speak of God working through us, it doesn't necessarily have anything to do with the churches interpretation of what God is......

Just clarifying my stance....

[sparklekaz]

Dear Clara,

A lovely post, you expressed your thoughts really well.

I like you believe that Jesus was a wonderful example for Christians to follow. I despair sometimes at how it all went so wrong. If he was alive today, I wonder what he would make of the different religions that have sprung up in his name and how they treat their fellow man.

I wonder what he would have made of the way in which his teachings have been interpreted and distorted to suit different views. I am positive he would have been horrified at the way in which religion has been used as a reason to wage war or conflict on others. There is no justification for violence and bloodshed, it is the complete antithesis of what Christianity represents.

For me Jesus never forced anyone to follow him, he simply spoke from the heart. He encouraged his disciples and followers to ask questions and never punished anyone for thinking for themselves. I still believe, he was a person to be emulated, by his actions and deeds.

I do not follow a religion, I focus on the basic truths that Jesus came here to teach us. His sacrifice, that he loved us so much that he was willing to give up his own life, that was the legacy he left for us. To be loving, truthful, non judgmental and compassionate. To share what we have, to never refuse aid and to be of service to all that need help.

For me this is what Christ Consciousness is. It is a way of life, not just something to do on Sundays.

Love and light
Kaz

[gruntal]

Actually, although I am terrible anti-social, I do belong to a few groups and am even considering joining a few more. I revisited at least one church I abandoned years ago just to drop off some used clothes and household goods for their shelture. (I dreaded someone would recognize me but they did not). You must admit it is ironic that after the church and religion got the axe for being too hypercritical and power mad we put our faith and trust in non-clerical pluralistic governments and got just about the same results i.e. poverty racism war desease ect. The song remains the same.

I can only repeat what I have said in the past and never had reason to recant: somewhere at some place there is always somebody who just does things that make it all better and does it in a way that well nigh amazes us in it's simplistic eloquence. Where would we be without them? What thanks did they get? Did they die lonely and afraid? They deserved better because of their contributions and I am not always sure it was recognized. If we are to believe the Biblical accounts the Master Jesus knew from the start He was born to die. Like Jehova telling Moses "I will harden pharoe's heart so he will not listen to you!" Predestined failure? Moses wasn't even allowed to venture into the Promised Land himself. A usefull allegory.

Perhaps the greatest lesson and role model ideal of Jesus is that it is NOT going to be easy. You need people but they will betray you at first. I feel more like Saul who hid in the luggage when he was told he was destined to be king. He eventually fizzled out. Poor Saul. I just hope I don't turn out just like him in my old age.

I am not ready to be crucified either just yet *sigh* wotta life!

[christdavid]

Christ Jesus did his part perfectly. He is indeed a role model.

When he was in a body few people could write. His teachings were altered in many ways as information was spread amongst our brothers. Not all was lost. A lot was translated and remained close.

To be Christ-like is to be born-again. This is to say that the resurrection occurs in you. Those that want to see the resurrection shall see it, for Christ will rise in you. You cannot kill God's Son.

The Church is not a building or place. It is where two or more are gathered in Christ name. Do not worship at the altar of sacrifice. You will not find me there.

The ego has built many churches in its name and if you honestly take a look at them you will see truly. The ego or devil has a plan of salvation for you. To get into the Kingdom you must die. If you fail, you will be burned for eternity at the hands of your Father. These are the lies of the deceiver. Nothing is accomplished in death. All things are accomplished in life.

Heaven is a state were the will of the Father and you are in accord. It is a state absent of fear. In this state you realize your invulnerability, grandeur and Holiness. There you will assume your natural function of extending Creation. It is before you, but if you behold the world it is lost to you.

This may promote fear in some, but thankfully this verse from the Bible made it through translation:

“Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be; but we know that when He shall appear we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And every man that hath this hope in him, purifleth himself even as He is pure.” (I John III: v. 2, 3).

Christ David

[calvaryoakville]

What a great topic you have in here. Thanks for sharing your thoughts that help me a lot. I will keep on coming here in this forum because of so many informative and useful insights that I'm still learning from here.

[puritan]

i think Being like the Biblical Christ is something timeless n cross cultural in every aspect -
Holiness,purity of heart,meekness,mildness and most importantly being truthfully righteous rooted in compassion n love - for love being the greatest n not legalistic in Judging.

i think we need to make decisions n truthful judgement in love n compassion - we do have opinions n can't play dead at heart - that would be hypocritical n fake.

think Jesus said to judge carefully and Not by mere appearances.Also to judge in righteouness and compassion.

Regarding our own brethren He said in order to pick put the tiny speck in yr brethren'e eye make sure you've removed the [large] beam in your Own eye first.In short you can judge but don't pick n be a hypocrite if your own sin/problem is much bigger n Not Addressed in the very first place.

So "judge not" is only two worded compared to the rest that follow.

Judgement in truth and love of Jesu/Yeshuas Is exemplary!

regards.

[Kat]

Kaz!!! I love what you wrote. In fact, I got goosebumps. I agree with everything you wrote and I really appreciate what you put out! :-)

[sparklekaz]

Hi Kat,

It is lovely to meet you.

I am glad that what I said resonated with you. It is so lovely isn't it when we share with people who are likeminded. I look forward to reading some of your posts and replies and getting to know you. We have also have a spiritual chat room which is open daily, from 6pm GMT 1pm EST. It would be nice to see you there.

Love and light
Kaz