The Great Commission consists of two parts – converting people to Christ, and making them His disciples (Matthew 28:18; Mark 16:15-16). Most often, we emphasize the first part over the other. God regenerates the fallen state of humanity in the person of Jesus Christ on earth.
He was incarnated, and lived a sinless life to be an example (Hebrews 4:15). In 2014, I visited the Limassol Church of Christ in Cyprus. Whiles interacting with some brethren, a sister asked me: “How long have you been a disciple?”.
Though I knew her intent, it struck me that we often do not lay much emphasis on the discipling part. The Christian character is measured in terms of How much of Jesus is in you. Character formation is not an event. It is a life-long, deliberate sets of actions with the aim of being more like Christ (Romans 8:29).
The first century Christian writers covered both theological and social issues that were pertinent in their day. The overall aim was to present Jesus as the saviour of the world who calls and reconciles humanity back to God. That the degenerated humanity would be regenerated into the perfect likeness of God (2 Corinthians 5:19).
Since really, there is nothing new under the sun (Ecclesiastics 1:9), and that God’s word provide timeless principles for the world, we would find God’s word as reliable source for character formation. It should be everyone’s aim to know Christ, build a personal relationship with Him and be like Him (Philippians 3:10-11).
THE CHALLENGES OF OUR TIME
Paul warns the Colossian church of not succumbing to baseless philosophies of this world (Colossians 2:8). One of such philosophies is relativism. As such, humanity tries to redefine divine things, and escape with it. For example, many countries have redefined marriage.
The LGBTQ+ movement grows by the day. If there is no God (atheism), or if that Divine Being has nothing to do with us (Deism), then we become free moral agent, able to make our own choices without recourse to judgement.
The advent of social media is putting more pressure on the youth into conformity that really contradict scripture. In this cosmetic world people are living in false claims and sometimes, we fall to that. Materialism and sensual thoughts – pornography, alcoholism, drugs, sex, and fame are served on every digital space. We seldom think of eternity. It is this world and that is all. Shamefully, worldly celebrities are now the role models for some young Christians. How often do we think of becoming like Jesus?
PRACTICAL WAYS OF BECOMING LIKE JESUS
True character is that which conforms to the image of Christ. We know from Luke that Jesus grew in wisdom and in stature, in favor with God and man (Luke 2:52). In this regard, it would be prudent to appreciate Christ’s core teachings. One of such body of his teachings is the beatitudes that provides the framework for true character formation.
Jesus speaks to an audience that was used to a set of Rabbinic interpretations/traditions that did not conform to the true intent of God in giving the laws (Matthew 15:8-9). The Jews missed out on true righteousness. We are saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8). Jesus guides his disciples into true character.
1. The beatitudes begin with acknowledging one’s emptiness and the need for a divine intervention (Matthew 5:3). In the sight of God, self-righteousness, like the pharisee portrayed themselves does not count (Luke 18:9-14).
2. Jesus encourages his disciples to show remorse for their shortcomings (Matthew 5:4). Godly sorrow works repentance unto salvation (2 Corinthians 7:10).
3. The third step is to deny self-sufficiency and trust God’s providence and restitution (Matthew 5:5; Deuteronomy 32:35; Romans 12: 17-19).
4. The fourth stage is the desire to follow God’s word and live by them (Matthew 5:6).
5. Jesus then projects the inner virtues of mercy, purity and peace with others. Loving God means loving your neighbour (Matthew 5:7-9; Romans 12:18; 1 John 4:20).
6. He concludes with encouragement for those who will share in His suffering, get refined as gold in order to share in His glory (Matthew 5:10-12; Romans 8:17; 1 Peter 4:13).
DAILY LIVING TIPS FOR YOUNG CHRISTIANS
1. Engage in regular spiritual exercises – fasting, prayer and meditation (1 Timothy 4:8; Psalm 119).
2. Put on the whole armor of God – truth, righteousness, word of God, faith, hope, and prayer (Ephesians 6:10-17).
3. Practice and preach modesty all the time (1 Timothy 2:9).
4. Practice godliness with contentment (1 Timothy 6:6).
5. Continuance of self-sacrifice self and renewal of mind (Romans 12:1-2).
6. Daily covenant of self-control (Job 31:1; Daniel 1:8; Titus 2:11-12).
7. Remember that sin does not satisfy. Just as the eye cannot have enough of sight (Ecclesiastes 1:8), so the body cannot have enough of gratification. Postpone gratification again and again. The things we see are fleeting (1 John 2:15-17).
8. Create godly contexts that supports your spiritual growth (1 Corinthians 15:33; Proverbs 13:20; 27:17).
ACTIVITY SESSION
1. Identify the top 3-5 things about your life that you are not proud about.
2. Reflect on the sins that so easily entangle you. Think about how they affect your spiritual growth.
3. Note the circumstances and triggers that lead you into those shameful acts.
4. Work out to avoid or eliminate such triggers and circumstances.
5. Also note those strengths and circumstance that helps you to enhance your spirituality.
6. Write out a set of spiritual goals that will help you deal with the list in (1) and improve on list in (4) above.
7. Write out SMART objectives, activities/actions that will help you achieve your spiritual goal.
8. Develop spiritual resolutions and pledges that help you keep to (4) above.
9. Make time for a personal devotion (quiet time) and keep a devotional dairy – noting the key lessons and action points derived in the text. I publish my daily reflections on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @hodebrah
10. Review spiritual goals and resolutions from time to time and make necessary adjustments.
CONCLUSION
We wrestle not against flesh and blood. Victory over the devil and sin is by faith, by the word of God. John the apostle describes young people as strong and overcomers because the word of God lives in them and has not left them (1 John 2:13-14). These times of the coronavirus have taught us to really focus on life’s essentials.
When Christ becomes our model and star, we can shine in this dark world of sin. Christians were promised both the gifts of the spirit and the gift (fruit) of the Spirit. The former comes in complete package, ready for use. The latter must be cultivated, nurtured to become mature. True Christian character come with maturity. Let’s get to work at it.
