Category Archives: Christ-like Traits

To live as “children of the light” (1 Thess. 5:5) and let our lights shine in this world (Matt. 5:14-16), we need alertness but also self-control. Since the temptations and distractions of the world have a strong pull and negative influence on our lives, we need encouragement to remain self-controlled. We need help to say no to the lures of this world in order to remain free from its intoxicants that dim our lights.

Encouragement Needed to Remain Self-Controlled to Say “No” to Temptation

The Apostle Paul likened it to drunkenness, stating that “those who get drunk, get drunk at night” (1 Thess. 5:7). Think about what happens when we come under the negative influences of a dark world. Be encouraged to remain self-controlled.

1. We lose our ability to think sharply. Consequently, we fail to interpret life properly. We lack discernment which can lead to a host of problems.

Instead, be encouraged because we don’t have to be conformed “to the pattern of this world”. Rather, be “transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Rom. 12:2)

2. We lose our inhibitions. Consequently, we can slip back to our old human nature, acting like who we were before accepting Christ into our lives. We let our guard down which can lead to a hindered testimony, hiding His light rather than letting it shine.

Instead, be encouraged because we don’t have to remain in this wretched condition, not doing the good we know we should do. Rather, we can find deliverance in Jesus (Rom. 7:15-25) and live by the Spirit rather than “gratify the desires of the sinful nature” (Gal. 5:16-25).

Think of those in your sphere of influence who can use this kind of encouragement. Consider how you might come alongside of them to encourage them to remain self-controlled in order to keep their lights shining in a way that glorifies our holy God.

Also Read: Self-Control: A Christ-like Quality Church Leaders Need

To keep our lights shining in a dark world (Matt. 5:14-16), to live as “children of the light” (1 Thess. 5:5), we need to “be awake and sober” (1 Thess. 5:6). With all the stress, distractions, and lures of the world, it can be easy to give in and get lulled to sleep spiritually. We need encouragement to remain alert and self-controlled.

The enemy would love nothing better than to catch us off guard, making us easy prey in the face of temptation. We find the same exhortation to be alert (awake) and of sober-minded in 1 Peter 5:8. — “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”

Encouragement Needed to Remain Alert to Counteract Natural Tendencies

We need encouragement to remain alert so we can counteract natural tendencies that tend to cover over our light rather than fuel it to keep it brightly shining. Making some parallels to why we physically sleep may help.

Sometimes we sleep because of tiredness.

Doing good in a dark world can be exhausting and we don’t always see results.

Encouragement comes in knowing a better day lies ahead. We need to keep our eyes open and on Jesus “who for the joy set before him endured the cross” (Heb. 12:2). We don’t have to “become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” (Gal. 6:9). — Looking at the big picture, we can conclude that all efforts and hardships will be worth it in the end.

Sometimes we sleep because of depression.

If we focus on the circumstances around us, we will lack peace and joy. Escaping from it all will seem like a viable option.

Encouragement comes in knowing that in Jesus we can rise above the dreariness and apathy of this dark world. He said, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (Jn. 16:33). — Looking at the real picture, we can conclude that life will not be easy, but we will be okay in the end.

Sometimes we sleep because of illness.

When we become like the dark world, we will want to sleep “for those who sleep, sleep at night” (1 Thess. 5:7). If we live in sin and fellowship with the world rather than the Lord, we become spiritually unhealthy. It robs us of the power we need to stay awake.

Encouragement comes in knowing that though we are faithless, He remains faithful (2 Tim. 2:13). We must understand the effects of sin on a holy God but also remember that we have a gracious God who offers a way to become healthy again. — “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 Jn. 1:9) — Looking at the whole picture, we can conclude that change is possible.

Think of those in your sphere of influence who can use this kind of encouragement. Consider how you might come alongside of them with encouragement to remain alert so they let their lights shine and bring glory to God.

Think about the picture of your life. What does it portray to the people who see it? Do people see a reflection of Christ — a picture of Christlikeness? Or, do they see someone conformed to the world, living in accordance with their old sin nature? God’s intent is that we be “conformed to the image of his Son” (Rom. 8:29). — “Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.” (1 Jn. 2:6)

Areas in Which We Reflect a Picture of Christlikeness

People will base their conclusions on not only whether we do what Jesus would do but also if we display Christ-like character and attitudes. We need to portray a consistent representation of Christ. — “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.” (Heb. 10:23) If we don’t, we might confuse people about life in Christ. Our lives might turn people away from Christ rather than toward Him. They might conclude, “If that’s what Jesus is like, I don’t need Him.”

Let’s be a picture of Christlikeness in how we …

communicate

• Christ-like Communication
• Christ-like Communication Guide for Church Leaders

treat others

• Consideration & Compassion Pave the Way
• Compassion: More than a Feeling?
• Jesus’ Example of Being a Servant

respond in suffering

• Jesus’ Example in Suffering for Doing Good

react when mistreated or in conflict

• Attitude Toward Those Who Do Us Wrong

serve / do ministry

• 5 Signs Ministry Leadership Has Turned Christ-like
• Christ-like Ministry
• Ministry Methodology: Do All in the Name of Jesus
• Serving is …

The above links go to posts to help us be more Christ-like in those areas. To speak, act, and react like Jesus, we need His character developed within us. It is then that the picture of our lives will showcase Him (Eph. 3:10-11). Also see: God’s Heart for the Church: Christlikeness

Self-Exaltation is about our need to make ourselves look good. It may stem from comparing ourselves to others. Perhaps we do excel in some areas but feel the need to make sure others know it. Maybe, however, we think we’re not as good as others and so we try to make ourselves appear better by talking and acting like we’re better. Whatever the cause, we’re bragging about ourselves.

The Bible Warns Against Self-Exaltation

God’s Word clearly informs us of His opposition to pride and arrogance. Even if it’s true that we are as good as we say, we’re moving into the dangerous territory of pride which God hates. And, if we aren’t as good as we make ourselves out to be, we’re moving into the manipulative territory of deceit.

To fear the Lord is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech. (Prov. 8:13)

Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. (Prov. 16:18)

Jesus warned His disciples about pride and wanting to be in a place of honor. He said it’s better to let others recognize and honor you, rather than exalt yourself (Lk. 14:8-11).

For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted. (Lk. 14:11)

Jesus taught that we shouldn’t worry about being first or best or always right because that’s when we lose.

Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.” (Matt. 16:24-25)

But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first. (Matt. 19:30)

Scripture Encourages Us to be Humble Instead

We need to get the focus off of ourselves and put it on God. Who we are and what we have in Him is enough. We can trust Him.

Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the Lord, and humility comes before honor. (Prov. 15:33)

We don’t need to be anxious about what others think. When life is all about Him, making ourselves look good becomes less and less important. God will take care of us.

But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you (James 4:6-7)

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. (1 Pet. 5:6-7)

Rather Than Exalt Yourself, Do This

Follow the example of Christ who came to serve others rather than be served. Humility, rather than self-exaltation, exemplifies Christlikeness. With the focus off ourselves, and onto God, we’re freed to serve.

… whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. (Mk. 10:43-45)

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. … (Phil. 2:3-11)

Sometimes as believers we let fears and insecurities hold us back in our walk with the Lord. That’s usually a sign we’re resting on our own abilities rather than on the Lord. When we understand the basis for security then we’ll know what it takes to be secure in the Lord.

Basis for Being Secure in the Lord

We can be secure because God stays true to who He is. Even when we’re “faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot disown Himself” (2 Tim. 2:13).

Becoming secure in the Lord is a process of learning to rely more and more on the love and grace of God in our lives. Knowing in our heads that God loves us is one thing but relying on that love is another. According to 1 John 4:16 we must do both. — “And so we know and rely on the love God has for us.” Reflect on how God’s grace and love applies to us:

My grace is sufficient for you … (2 Cor. 12:9)

God is love. … There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. (1 Jn. 4:16-18)

We’re secure in Him because God is able to do that which His love and grace compels Him to do on our behalf. Consequently we can go forward with confidence, reminding ourselves that “I can do all this through him who gives me strength” (Phil. 4:13). Now reflect on God’s power and strength that He extends to us:

… my power is made perfect in weakness. (2 Cor. 12:9)

His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. (2 Pet. 1:3)

The Bottom Line For Replacing Insecurities with Confidence

We must move the focus off of ourselves and onto the Lord. It doesn’t matter who we are or how long we’ve been believers. In ourselves, we don’t have what it takes. We all fall short. When it becomes more about who God is and what He does for us, we worry less and less about if “we” have enough faith, if “we” are strong enough, if “we” can live this Christian life, etc. We humbly admit that we can’t but God can because of who He is. We can therefore be confident and secure because we’re resting on Him, not ourselves.

Here are two resources to help expand your view of God:

• Our Great God from A to Z Discipleship Tool by Ministry Tools Resource Center
• Your God Is Too Small: A Guide for Believers and Skeptics Alike by J.B. Phillips (link goes to merchant with whom we have an affiliate relationship)