Imitating Christ
And you should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ. 1 Cor 11:1
Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you. Eph 5:1-2
What does it look like to be him, rather than us, insecure messes of selfishness? Here are 20 ways to imitate Christ in your daily life:
1. Ask
Why are you terrified? -Matthew 8:26
2. Wait
Now Jesus himself was about thirty years old when he began his ministry. -Luke 3:23
3. Sit down
That day Jesus went out of the house and was sitting by the sea. -Matthew 13:1
When Jesus saw the crowds, He went up on the mountain; and after He sat down, His disciples came to Him. -Matthew 5:1
4. Pray
One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God. -Luke 6:12
5. Praise
At that time Jesus said, "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. -Matthew 11:25
6. Go
Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. -Matthew 4:23
7. Be kind & forgiving
Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you. -Eph 4:32
8. Be humble
He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. -Philippians 2:7-8
9. Fight back
Jesus said to him, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.'" -Matthew 4:10
10. Seek holy
As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance, but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; -1 Peter 1:15
11. Expect suffering
For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps... -1 Peter 2:21
12. Lay down love
This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. -1 John 3:16
13. Know his words
Whoever keeps His word, in him the love of God has truly been perfected. -1 John 2:5
14. Fear not the poor, ugly, dirty or crazy types
While Jesus was having dinner at Levi’s house, many tax collectors and sinners were eating with him and his disciples, for there were many who followed him. -Mark 2:15
15. Be a uniter, not a divider
Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. -1 Peter. 3:8
16. Seize faith
Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done. -Luke 22:42
17. Fight flesh, surrender to Spirit
But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires. -Romans 13:14
18. Die to your needs live for others
We are to 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. -Ephesians 5:2
19. Give what people don't deserve
Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." -Luke 22:34
20. Know where you are going
For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day. -John 6:40
And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. -1 Peter 5:4
This slideshow was adapted from the article 20 Ways to Practically Imitate Christ written by Kelly Balarie.