How can Christians live according to Jesus' example?

Living according to Jesus' example is a profound and transformative endeavor that touches every aspect of a Christian's life. Jesus' life, as depicted in the Gospels, serves as the ultimate model for Christian conduct, ethics, and spirituality. His teachings, actions, and attitudes provide a comprehensive blueprint for how Christians ought to live. To live according to Jesus' example, one must delve deeply into the Scriptures, embrace a life of humility and service, cultivate a heart of compassion, and maintain an unwavering commitment to truth and righteousness.

First and foremost, understanding Jesus' example requires an intimate knowledge of the Gospels. The four Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—offer a multifaceted view of Jesus' life and ministry. In these texts, we witness Jesus' profound love for humanity, His unwavering commitment to God's will, and His exemplary moral character. For instance, in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), Jesus provides a radical redefinition of righteousness that goes beyond mere external compliance with the law to the transformation of the heart. He teaches about the importance of humility, mercy, purity of heart, and peacemaking, and He calls His followers to be the "salt of the earth" and the "light of the world" (Matthew 5:13-16).

Central to living according to Jesus' example is the call to love. Jesus' commandment to "love one another as I have loved you" (John 15:12) is foundational to Christian ethics. This love is not merely an emotion but an active, self-giving love that seeks the good of others. Jesus demonstrated this love through His interactions with people from all walks of life. He healed the sick, fed the hungry, and showed compassion to the marginalized and oppressed. His parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) vividly illustrates the call to love our neighbors, regardless of social barriers or prejudices. Living according to Jesus' example means embodying this radical, inclusive love in our daily interactions.

Another key aspect of Jesus' example is His life of prayer and communion with God. Throughout the Gospels, we see Jesus frequently withdrawing to solitary places to pray (Luke 5:16). His prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36-46) reveals His deep dependence on the Father and His willingness to submit to God's will, even in the face of immense suffering. For Christians, cultivating a robust prayer life is essential to living according to Jesus' example. Prayer not only deepens our relationship with God but also aligns our hearts with His purposes and empowers us to live out His commands.

Humility and service are also hallmarks of Jesus' example. In Philippians 2:5-8, the Apostle Paul exhorts believers to have the same mindset as Christ Jesus, who "made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant" and "humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross." Jesus' washing of the disciples' feet (John 13:1-17) is a powerful demonstration of servant leadership. He taught that true greatness in the kingdom of God is found in serving others, not in seeking power or prestige. Christians are called to emulate this humility and service in their relationships, workplaces, and communities.

Living according to Jesus' example also involves a commitment to truth and righteousness. Jesus consistently upheld the truth, even when it was unpopular or met with opposition. He challenged the religious leaders of His day, exposed hypocrisy, and called people to repentance. In John 14:6, Jesus declares, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." For Christians, this means adhering to the truth of the Gospel and living with integrity. It involves being honest in our dealings, standing up for justice, and living in a way that reflects the character of Christ.

Forgiveness is another critical component of Jesus' example. Jesus taught His disciples to forgive others, even as they have been forgiven by God. In the Lord's Prayer, He instructs them to pray, "Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors" (Matthew 6:12). On the cross, Jesus exemplified this forgiveness by praying for those who crucified Him, saying, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing" (Luke 23:34). Christians are called to extend this same forgiveness to others, recognizing that it is through forgiveness that we experience healing and reconciliation.

Moreover, living according to Jesus' example entails a radical trust in God's provision and care. Jesus taught His followers not to worry about their material needs but to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, with the assurance that all these things will be given to them as well (Matthew 6:25-34). This trust in God's provision frees Christians from the anxieties and materialism that often dominate contemporary life and allows them to live generously and open-handedly.

In addition to these principles, living according to Jesus' example means engaging in the mission of God. Jesus' ministry was characterized by a profound sense of mission. He came to "seek and to save the lost" (Luke 19:10) and commissioned His disciples to go and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:18-20). For Christians, participating in this mission involves sharing the Gospel, serving others, and working for the transformation of society in accordance with God's purposes.

To live according to Jesus' example is a lifelong journey that requires intentionality, perseverance, and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. It is not about achieving perfection but about growing in Christlikeness. As the Apostle Paul writes in Philippians 3:12-14, "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. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."

In summary, living according to Jesus' example involves a multifaceted commitment to love, prayer, humility, service, truth, forgiveness, trust in God, and participation in His mission. It is a dynamic and holistic way of life that encompasses our thoughts, words, actions, and relationships. By immersing ourselves in the Scriptures, seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and actively striving to embody the character of Christ, we can grow in our ability to live according to Jesus' example and reflect His light to the world.