Friday, July 30, 2010

Christlikeness

"We must never forget that we look to Jesus not only as our Saviour from sin but as our example in holy living. When we step out on to the highway of holiness it is not in the company of some stranger whom we have never met before. We are with the one who has already shown himself to be our Saviour and who cannot fail 'to lavish upon us all that he has to give' (Romans 8:32). We are ever in his company and his example is always before our eyes. Holiness is Christlikeness and Christlikeness is holiness. What is Christlike is holy and what is unChristlike is unholy - by whomsoever or for whatsoever reason."
(Frederick Coutts, The Splendour of Holiness, p 60)

When we strip holiness down to its very essence, it is nothing more and nothing less than being 'Christlike". We used to sing the chorus, To Be Like Jesus, which ought to reflect the heart of every believer who's "attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus..." (Philippians 2:5). In Christ, we have the example and power to be like the One who has saved us and sanctified us for His purpose. He has gone before us and goes ahead of us, giving "us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness" (2 Peter 1:3).

There is a very obvious conclusion for me from these thoughts; if I want to be like Christ, I need to be in close proximity to Christ - learning from His example, receiving His power, listening to His voice and imitating His character.

1 comment:

  1. Great reminder to us each Rob. Always the challenge to get that which we know from the mind (knowledge) to be lived out in our lives (demonstrated). And yet, to know we have the Holy Spirit of God to lead us, guide us and to be our strength. Thanks mate!

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