The people of our faith are called Christians. The literal meaning of this word could be defined as “little Christs.” If we are actually referred to in this manner, should not our lives be evidenced by the traits, attitudes, mannerisms, and actions of Christ? If Christ has transformed us, should not our lives resemble His? I believe the life of a believer should reflect the one in whom you believe. Because of this, I’m compelled to take a break from the “teaching plan” to devote a number of weeks specifically to teaching on the lifestyle of Christ. I want for us to turn and dig into the pages of the Gospels to study the life of Christ. Learn how Jesus lived. Discover the behaviors of Christ and how to emulate (not as an actor, but as a part of who you are in Christ) them in your own life.
Some within our ranks prefer to use the term followers of Christ or Christ follower. While it don’t dislike the term, I don’t think it’s the best descriptive term of our relationship with Christ. Call is semantics, but there is a difference between a follower and a disciple or Christian. The follower can observe for a distance, be uninvolved, and uncommitted. A disciple on the other hand is in the midst, involved, and committed. There’s a level of intimacy found in the disciple’s relationship, which is unrealized in the follower’s. I don’t want to be just a follower; I want to be a disciple. I want to live a life worthy of the gospel, not for approval, but because it’s the way the one I’ve chosen to follow lived.
“I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,” Philippians 3:10
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Monday, September 28, 2009
by Brad Hoffmann