Be Like Jesus? Hmm.
Here’s a thought… trying to be perfect is idolatry. It’s pride. It’s aspirations of being like God. It’s not humility. God opposes the proud and gives grace to the humble. This makes sense, right?
So when churches tell you to be like Jesus, what do they mean exactly?
Yes, we know that avoiding sin keeps us out of trouble and closes doors to the Devil. I’m not saying to go out and sin. Sinful acts lead to death. Read Romans 6.
But, is there some goal out there to be like Jesus? Sure, it’s noble to shoot for avoiding sin, but to… be like Jesus, who is perfect, blameless, and the only worthy sacrifice? Just think about it. Is that really our place?
You will not, ever be like Jesus. None of us will. Isn’t understanding that a more humble approach to God? That’s us telling God that only Jesus was worthy. Our righteousness is like filthy rags. He is greater. We cannot be great. In our submission, God brings us closer to him because we realize who we are and we realize who Jesus is.
It’s better to be with Jesus than to be like Jesus. God values our persistent dependence on him. That’s precious to him.
So, the next time you hear that the goal of a Christian is to be like Jesus, take a second look at that. And look at who is saying that. I do not think that’s the goal. Again, it’s to recognize our faults and bring them to God. God then gives us the robe of righteousness and he sees us as he sees Jesus. That’s God/Jesus doing all the work, not us (Ephesians 2:8-9).
It’s just Jesus. Please stop trying to be Jesus or like Jesus.
Go re-read this short post again to make sure you get this. I did.