In the Bible we see three primary ways we can become more like Jesus.
Making Space for the Gospel
Jesus often shared His message over meals. The Gospels frequently depict Him traveling to or from a shared table. This practice of “hospitality” – derived from the Greek word “philonexia” meaning “love of strangers” – was central to Jesus’ ministry. It’s the opposite of xenophobia, embracing outsiders and turning strangers into neighbors, and neighbors into family in God.
Matthew 9:10-11 illustrates this beautifully: “While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, ‘Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?'” Jesus deliberately spent time with those society deemed unworthy, showing that His love and message were for all.
We can emulate this practice by intentionally creating space in our lives for meaningful conversations over shared meals. Whether it’s inviting someone for dinner, meeting at a café, or joining a community potluck, these moments of connection can naturally lead to deeper discussions about faith and life.
Preaching the Gospel
The thought of “preaching the gospel” might seem daunting to many. However, it doesn’t require standing on a soapbox in the town square. At its core, sharing the gospel is simply talking about how Jesus has impacted our lives. We readily recommend good restaurants, movies, or products – why not share about the goodness of God in our lives with the same enthusiasm?
1 Peter 2:11-12 encourages us: “Dear friends, I urge you as foreigners and exiles to abstain from sinful desires which wage war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” Our actions often speak louder than our words. By living out our faith authentically, we become living testimonies to the transformative power of the gospel.
One practical way to start is by praying for our neighbors. Consider creating a simple prayer guide with the names of five nearby households. Place it somewhere visible as a reminder to regularly lift them up in prayer. This small act of faithfulness can open doors for meaningful connections and conversations.
Demonstrating the Gospel
Jesus didn’t just talk about the Kingdom of God; He demonstrated it through healing, deliverance, prophecy, and justice. Many of us might feel inadequate in this area, wondering how we could possibly emulate such supernatural acts. Yet, Jesus himself said in John 14:12, “Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.”
Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we are equipped to demonstrate God’s love and power in tangible ways. This might mean offering to pray for healing when someone is sick, speaking words of encouragement and hope, or standing up against injustice in our communities. The purpose is not to draw attention to ourselves, but to point people towards God and His kingdom.
It’s important to note that not every prayer for healing results in a physical cure, and that’s okay. We may not always understand why, but we can trust in God’s wisdom and continue to faithfully pray and care for others.
Practical Steps for Growth
As we commit to this journey of becoming more like Jesus, here are some practical steps we can take:
1. Prioritize time with God: Set aside regular moments for prayer, Bible study, and quiet reflection.
2. Practice hospitality: Look for opportunities to share meals and meaningful conversations with others, both believers and non-believers.
3. Live out your faith: Let your actions reflect Christ’s love in your workplace, neighborhood, and family.
4. Step out in faith: Offer to pray for others, share your testimony, or use your spiritual gifts to encourage and build up those around you.
5. Stand for justice: Be aware of issues in your community and speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves.
6. Join a discipleship group: Consider finding or forming a small group dedicated to growing together in faith.
7. Read enriching materials: While the Bible should be our primary source, other books on discipleship can provide valuable insights and practical applications.
8. Serve others: Look for ways to meet the needs of those around you, reflecting Christ’s servant heart.
The Call to Growth
This call to spiritual growth is not about adding more activities to our already busy lives. It’s about reorienting our priorities and allowing God to transform us from the inside out. As we become more like Jesus, we’ll naturally see positive changes in our personal lives, our relationships, and even our communities.
Remember, this is not a sprint but a lifelong journey. Each person’s path will look different, and that’s okay. The important thing is to start taking steps, however small, towards Christ-likeness.
As we stand on the threshold of a new year, let’s commit to going for growth in our spiritual lives. Let’s challenge ourselves to be more intentional about our faith, to step out of our comfort zones, and to allow God to work in and through us in powerful ways.
Imagine the impact if each of us truly embodied the love, compassion, and power of Christ in our daily lives. It would not only transform us individually but could spark a revival that touches our families, communities, and even nations. The journey of becoming more like Jesus is the greatest adventure we can embark on – are you ready to take the next step?
