One of the greatest challenges in living the Christian life is that of emulating and imitating our Lord. Paul wrote, “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ” (1 Corinthians 11: 1). The standard of following any man goes as far as that individual follows Christ. Therefore, it ought to be encouraged to follow one who’s life follows the Christ.
As Jesus lived on earth, He left us with an incredible example of how to live. The list is manifold and is the perfect pattern to living the faithful Christian life. In a world filled with debauchery and outright blatant sin, we want to take a look at three things that our Lord manifested while sojourning on these earthy shores; and, it is these three things the church needs.
First, the church needs conviction. I hear define conviction as standing on the truth. The church is in the position to uphold the truth (cf. 1 Timothy 3: 15; Proverbs 23: 23). If the world is to be saved, we must have the conviction that what we believe in is true. If we are to stand against sin and every false way, strong healthy convictions are needed to do so. Christians need not make any apology to a world hell bound for its convictions on the saving message of Jesus Christ.
Second, the church needs courage. Although it may seem that these are synonymous or equivalents, it is not always the case. One can have convictions about truth; however, they may not let it be known. For example, in John 12: 42, we are told, “Nevertheless even among the rulers many believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue; for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.” This is very telling! This proves that a belief in Jesus is not sufficient if it is not willing to confess Him with mouth and in life! Jesus said, \”But why do you call Me \’Lord, Lord,\’ and not do the things which I say\” (Luke 6:46)? Courage is the act to voice one’s convictions whether in word or in deed. And in this context of discussion, I am talking about truth. There are many who have the courage to voice their opinions. But it takes courage to stand for something and against something. Jesus is described as the Lion of the tribe of Judah because He had courage. You will never see our Lord shrinking from responsible duty. The church must muster the courage to stand for what is right and oppose all that is wrong.
Third, the church needs compassion. Often compassion has been redefined as tolerance. There is a sense in which we should be tolerant of one another. But our tolerance has limitations when it comes to sin. No where will we ever read or see our Lord tolerant on sin. Jesus confronted sin as the evil it is. However, He had compassion on the sinner. He was not out to destroy the sinner. His was to purge the sin from the sinner. It was this feeling that the father had for his wayward son who had come back home (Luke 15: 20). The text informs us that the father had compassion on him. This is the feeling of sympathy or pity. What follows is the father, “ran and fell on his neck and kissed him.” We must remember this in opposing sinful behavior: People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care. This is the disposition we should have for one another. And it is this compassion the church needs.
~Stacey Mobley
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