Blog 12 - How to be more like Christ?

 


How to be more like Christ?

Read:

  • Romans 12


Imagine training to be an athlete. It’s not just about showing up for the game, it’s the daily discipline, practice and small choices that lead to success. To be in top form, an athlete needs to focus on the right habits and discard the ones that hold them back. In a similar way, Romans 12 serves as our training guide, helping us set aside distractions and embrace habits that reflect Christ. In a world that often values power and status, Paul’s message calls us to live differently— to love deeply and serve selflessly. But how do we put this into practice? Let’s explore 5 key principles Paul shares to help us embody Christ’s character in our everyday lives…

1.       Do Not Conform to the World (Verse 1 & 2)

First of Paul tells us that our bodies are to be a “living sacrifice” Verse 1 and in verse 2 Paul focuses on our mind. This is showing that in these first two verses Paul is urging us to focus on the things of God with our head and our body. By not conforming to what the world wants us to believe. Conforming in verse 2 means adopting values that conflict with Christian beliefs. So, we should renew our minds helps us discern God’s will. This is done through prayer, reading scripture or having fellowship with fellow Christians.

2.       Use our gifts as a body of Believers (Verse 3-8)

As Christians it is important we meet together to worship God, which is why church is so important for Christian grow. In verse 4 to 6 Paul describes us as a body but each of us have different gifts. As Christians we should contribute to a local church using the gifts God have given us. This allows the church body to grow and function to mirror Christ. We see Paul go into even more detail in 1 Corinthians verse 12-31 about what it means to be part of the body of Christ. These gifts could be in various different ways like playing an instrument, teaching, youth work, mentoring, etc. Anyway, that you believe God has called you to serve.

3.       Show Love one Another (Verse 9-13)

Arguably the most important principle in the pursuit to be more like Christ. In these verses Paulreminds us to have genuine love for one another. To put others first and to pray for one another particularly when they face trials. This mirrors God because 1 John 4v16 says “God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him.” This shows the source of our love comes from God. As well that love is essential to our Christian growth as we draw closer to God. This love is selfless, sincere and reflects Christ’s love for us. As Jesus says in John 13v34 says “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you.” This shows that when we love others then we are more like Christ, and we should aim to be more like Christ. We could express love through practical actions like kindness, encouragement, and support, creating a community atmosphere that mirrors Christ’s love.

4.       Show Humility (Verse 14-16)

Through the love we should show in verses 9 to 13, in verse 14 to 16 we should show humility. Humility involves recognizing our limitations and placing others’ needs above our own. It promotes understanding and unity. We clearly see Paul tell us to show empathy and look out for one another. Verse 15 says “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.” We are to talk to each other and listen to each other. The mark of a good friend is someone who you can tell good news to, and they will have a genuine happiness for you with no trace of jealousy. As well as someone who you can tell bad new to, and they will listen and pray for you and not try and tell you that they had a worse day. We should be humble in the way we should approach people, verse 16 says “Do not set your mind on high things but associate with the humble.” This could be like in school not being friends with the popular kids but befriending the kids who others may look down upon, may think are weird. We should practice humility by responding to conflict with grace, showing empathy, and breaking down barriers of pride within relationships.

5.       Love your Enemy (Verse 17-21)

In these concluding verses Paul shows us what our response to evil should be. We should overcome evil with grace and kindness by showing love to our enemies. Now this can be very difficult, but it is a very important aspect in Christs teaching. Even though we live in a world that tells us the opposite, to take revenge, get back what we deserve. But here we should put our enemies needs above our own. Paul quotes Proverbs 25v20 and 21 in verse 20, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink”. This shows that we should still look after people no matter what they have done to wrong us. Paul sums this us perfectly in his concluding verse of this chapter in verse 21 he says, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

It is important to note that following these 5 principles aren’t what gives us salvation, but they help us be more like Christ and have a Christ centred life. Living a Christ-centred life is about more than just belief; it’s about daily discipline and intentional actions, much like an athlete training for their sport. Reflect on how you can incorporate these principles into your daily life to grow in faith and reflect Christ’s love to those around you.

Dear Lord, thank you for your word that guides us. Let us use these principles to be more like you. Help us show more love and humility towards others. Help us to grow in our gifts and help us to use these gifts you have given us to serve you. Amen.

 

Going Deeper Questions

  1. Why is it important we do not conform to the world? Do you ever see yourself conforming to the world? What practical steps can we take to renew our minds?
  2. What gifts do you feel God has bless you with? Why is it important that we use these gifts within a church setting?
  3. When might it be hard to show love for one another? How does Jesus challenge us to show love?
  4. How does humility improve our ability to communicate with one another? How does humility help us when we face challenges?
  5. How might verse 20 seem strange? How does it challenge us when we feel persecuted and wronged by others?

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