Imitation of Christ Part 2
A Bible Pattern for
Self-Help and Self-Improvement
The desire to be like
someone we admire is another powerful motivation. Sports heroes inspire young
people in athletics. Washington and Lincoln are models for patriotic citizens.
So godly people like Abraham, Noah, Ruth, and Mary motivate us to serve God.
But the greatest example of all is that of Jesus.
Matthew 10:24,25 - A
disciple seeks to be like his master. Christians are disciples of Jesus (Acts
11:26). We should follow His steps because He left us a sinless example (1
Peter 2:21,22).
As we face each
decision in life, we should ask, "What would Jesus do?" This will
give us strong motivation to change our lives. (See also Gal. 2:20; Matt.
16:24; Col. 3:10).
Desire for Eternal Life, Not Eternal Punishment
1 Corinthians 9:25 -
Athletes control their habits so they can win a temporary, earthly honor.
Christians have an even stronger motive. We seek the crown of eternal life
(James 1:12; Rev. 2:10). We should set our minds on our eternal reward, not on
earthly things (Col. 3:1-6; 2 Peter 1:10,11; 2 Thess. 1:8,9).
Lack of motivation is
a major reason people do not change to please God. They do not have sufficient
desire to change. Instead they want to please themselves or their friends and
family. Often they are too concerned with the things of this life. Until our
motives are right, little else in this study will help us. But when we are
determined that serving God is our most important purpose in life, then we will
find the means to make the necessary changes.
When we lack the
motivation to change, let us think about why we should love God, think about
the importance of being like Christ, and think about our eternal destiny.
Step2: Believe You Can Change with God's Help.
Proverbs 4:23 - Keep
your heart with all diligence, for out of it are the issues of life. The way you
act is determined by your attitudes and intentions. People and circumstances
may influence you, but you do not have to give in. You do what you decide to do
(cf. Matt. 15:18,19; 12:34-37).
1 Corinthians 10:13 -
God will not allow temptations that are beyond your ability to bear. He will
always make a way of escape. "God is faithful." He will always keep
this promise. It follows that you can break any bad habit and develop any good
habit according to God's will.
Philippians 4:13 - We
can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. This includes changing to
please Him. If we trust our own strength, we will fail. Satan can defeat us. If
we use Christ's strength we will succeed, because Satan can never defeat Him.
Perhaps we have failed in the past because we have trusted our own power
instead of using Christ's.
People sometimes
convince themselves, "I just can't change. It's too late. Besides, I'm
only human." They are not just belittling themselves; they are denying
God's word. They will fail simply because they will give up instead of
persisting to use God's power.
Psalm 37:5 - If you
commit yourself to the Lord and trust Him, He will accomplish His will for you.
No matter how strong a temptation you face, no matter how long you have
practiced a sin, if God says to change, you can change. (See also Eph. 6:10-18;
3:20,21; 2 Cor. 9:8; Josh. 1:5-9.)
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