In this world today, there are all kinds of plans and methods being advertised …. “4 easy steps to_______”, “Make more money without working…”, “lose weight without dieting…” just to name a couple. But what we don’t see advertised are plans on “how to follow God” or “how to be like Jesus”.  And while the steps “to follow God” or “to be like Jesus” are possible, they are not easy.

Being an Imitator of Christ

In a world where you can get imitation leather, imitation flavors and even imitation flowers, these things are usually of poorer quality than the real items.  So then,  one may look at imitating Christ in a poor light.  But he apostle Paul tells us to, “imitate me as I imitate Christ” (1 Cor 11:1). 

Paul also said, “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” (Phil 4:8-9)

Paul, while writing to the church in Ephesus, said “therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.” (Eph 5:1)

“We know that God not only loves you but has selected you for a special purpose. For we remember how our Gospel came to you not as mere words, but as a message with power behind it—the effectual power, in fact, of the Holy Spirit. You know how we lived among you. You remember how you set yourselves to copy us, and through us, Christ himself. You remember how, although accepting the message meant bitter persecution, yet you experienced the joy of the Holy Spirit. You thus became examples to all who believe in Macedonia and Achaia.” (1 Thes 1:4-8 JBP)

We have been given a “pattern” to follow and it shows us how to live Godly lives. But unlike what the world offers as “easy”, being a child of God is not easy. 

A Godly life is not easy

While being an imitator of Christ will bring out good things in the believer, believers may see the anger of the world focused on them, as well. Paul reminded the Thessalonians of this when he said:

“Our only object was to help you to live lives worthy of the God who has called you to share the splendor of his kingdom. And so we are continually thankful that when you heard us preach the word of God you accepted it, not as a mere human message, but as it really is, God’s Word, a power in the lives of you who believe. When you suffered at the hands of your fellow-countrymen you were sharing the experience of the Judean Christian churches, who suffered persecution by the Jews. It was the Jews who killed their own prophets, the Jews who killed the Lord Jesus, and the Jews who drove out us, his messengers.” (1Thes 2:12-15 JBP)

The prize is worth the struggle 

“For God is not unjust so as to forget your work and the love which you have shown toward His name, in having ministered and in still ministering to the saints. And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence so as to realize the full assurance of hope until the end, so that you will not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.” (Heb 6:10-12)

“you will be hated by all because of My name, but it is the one who has endured to the end who will be saved.” (Matt 10:22, Mark 13:13)

Jesus said, “Everyone will hate you because of me. But not a hair of your head will perish. Stand firm, and you will win life.”(Luke 21:17-19)

The Cost 

“Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it?”  (Luke 14:28)

This is a task that we all do at one point or another in our lives. Can we afford the car or house? Should we or should we not do this procedure? On any given day, we must make choices that require us to count the cost. Our walk with Christ is no different in that we have a choice to follow or not to follow. Both choices have costs that must be considered.  

Paul,  aka Saul, before meeting Jesus on the road to Damascus, was a man who had everything in life. He had status, education, influence and he was poised to be at the top of his chosen career. After he chose to follow the call of Christ Paul said: 

“But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. (Phil 3:7-12)

Learning to be content

Why do we feel the need to keep up with “the Joneses”? We are always looking for a faster car, a bigger house, a smarter television, or jobs with more money… all because we are not content in our current circumstance.

Being content or having a sense of contentment is defined as “the feeling experienced when one’s wishes are met.” If you haven’t noticed… satisfaction in earthly things is fleeting, at best …yet true contentment can only be found in Christ… and it is a learned experience. 

Paul wrote saying, “ I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it.  I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.  I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”  (Phil 4:10-13)

“Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Heb 13:5)

The Shepherd knows

The Shepherd is more than someone with a fancy staff who tends the sheep. The shepherd has a vested interest in the well-being of the sheep. The shepherd feeds the sheep and cares for their every need.  The shepherd knows each individual sheep. There is a close relationship built between the sheep and shepherd, so much so that the sheep recognizes his voice. The shepherd guards the sheep and is willing to die to save them, if need be. 

Jesus described himself as the good shepherd in John 10:14. 

Jesus has a vested interest in each of us.  

Jesus knows us individually. 

Jesus will teach us to hear his voice. 

Jesus sacrificed himself for each one of us so we could be forgiven and be called children of God. 

“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.” (Psalm 23:1)

“Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.” (Matthew 6:8)

“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” (2 Cor 9:6-8)

God provided manna (Exodus 16:4) and quail in the desert to feed Israel (Exodus 16:13-15)

God provided water from a rock (Exodus 17:5)

Egypt gave silver and gold to Israel when they were set free (Exodus 12:36) 

God used ravens to feed the prophet (1 Kings 17:4)

Jesus provided a coin in the fish’s mouth so the temple tax could be paid (Matthew 17:24-27)

Jesus fed 5000 families with 7 loaves of bread and 2 fish (Mark 6:30-44)

“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” (Phil 4:19)As we grow in Christ, we will learn to be content and to place our trust in Jesus who knows our every need.

What we have discovered

Living a Godly life is a life worth living and Paul has shown us that God has given us the pattern to follow. If we imitate Jesus it will lead to this Godly life. Living a Godly life comes with a cost, we must give up our old ways and our bad behavior which is a small price to pay to secure the final prize. 

Learn to be content wherever you are and allow the Good Shepherd to intervene in every part of your life.  The Shepherd does not want you to be anxious about all that is happening around you, He will meet your every need before you ask.

Hear and listening are key in all communications so it is true with God. You must be close enough to hear what is being said and you must be willing to listen. To listen is to heed or act upon what you have heard. Living a Godly life requires hearing God’s voice and taking action to do as He. John  10:3 tells us that the sheep (believers) know the voice of the shepherd (Jesus), they listen to His voice and follow him when He calls. 

I have heard it said that growing old is not easy. This is true. But Living a Godly life for Christ is worth it!