To Be Like Christ

“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.” Mark 10:45“Do as I say not as I do” is a term often quoted by leaders and parents who were conducting themselves in less than desirables ways. In other words, “don’t imitate my behavior but obey my instructions”. That statement does not ring true when it comes to Christ. He is saying the exact opposite instructing followers to do exactly as He did.Jesus was a servant and His primary duty was to do the will of the Father and that included death on the cross to pay the debt of sin. We are told to follow Him but He is not asking us to die on a cross, He is asking us to daily take up our cross (Luke 9:23) and follow Him. Jesus wants a life that is surrendered completely to Him. It is a life lived in selflessness seeking to meet the needs of others and not just when it’s convenient. True followers are willing to do as He did even in the midst of hard times. It was at the Last Supper, the final meal before Jesus’ crucifixion that He washed the feet of His Apostles. Not only was this selfless, it was also humbling, it was intimate, and it demonstrated the kind of love that we are to shower on each other. It is the example He asks us to follow:“When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them.  “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am.  Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him.  Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.”John 13:12-17May our desire be to always imitate Christ!