How to Show the World what Jesus is Like
Only Bible-believing Christians can truly understand how badly the world needs Jesus. The truth is that we are supposed to be living examples of Jesus on this earth. When we give our lives to Christ, a process begins whereby God gradually changes us more into His Son’s image, as long as we cooperate with the process. That’s what our trials are about as well as all of life’s circumstances.
Molded into the likeness of Jesus
The Bible showed in the Old Testament that we are like clay being formed as God pleases (Jeremiah 18:6). The New Testament shows that we, as believers, are being molded into the image of Jesus. “For whom He foreknew, He also predestinated to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.” Romans 8:29 (NKJV)
Live in Obedience to God
Jesus says in John 15:10 (NKJV), “If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.” Scriptures specify that Jesus went to the cross in obedience to the Father. Obedience is powerful. Christians who obey God rather than following their own paths become clear reflections of Jesus on earth.
Love the Things Above, Not Below
We must love the things of heaven more than things of earth, if we are to be like Jesus. In 1 John 2:15 (NKJV), it says, “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” We are instructed the following in Colossians 3:2: “Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.”
When you look at the life of Jesus, it’s clear his mind was on the Father and heaven’s purposes. At night, when others were resting from frantic days in which they were mobbed by people needing healing, Jesus snuck off by himself to talk to His Father. More than once, people tried to crown him king on earth, but he refused because that wasn’t the Father’s plan. Instead, Jesus shed his blood and gave his life so that all who believe can be saved.
Live Selflessly
Jesus tells us what is required to be one of his followers. Luke 9:23 (NKJV): “Then He said to them all, ‘If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.’” The world we live in is very much about “self.” Just the number of selfies taken daily is proof enough that we have ourselves on our minds. Denying ourselves means to live sacrificially for the benefit of others. When the world sees someone doing this, lost people can be drawn to Jesus.
Endure Persecution
Being a follower of Jesus always comes with persecution. (John 15:18-20) We must be willing to endure persecution as followers. Many Christians are fully aware that every time we take a step toward greater devotion to Jesus, attacks from the devil will accompany follow-through.
The Ultimate Sign is Love
Of all the ways we might come to resemble Jesus, none is as telling as love. God is love, and we demonstrate our Savior’s love when we live for Jesus. We don’t just say the words or only wear Christian t-shirts about Jesus. We get out in the world, get our hands dirty, give, and work to show individuals how much God loves them.
