Following Christ's ExampleSample

GOOD CHARACTER IS CHRIST CHARACTER

INTRODUCTION

Oxford Dictionary defines character as “the mental and moral qualities distinctive to an individual.”  Hence, character is neither good nor bad, but specific qualities of a person’s character can be good or bad.  As Christians, we desire to be more like Jesus every day i.e. we desire Christ’s character to be formed in us, making us people of good character.

SHARING

Today we will focus on three aspects of Jesus’ character: Compassion, Endurance, and Submission.

1. Compassion

“Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:32) 

“Compassion is the acknowledgment of others’ suffering and a strong desire to do something about it to alleviate the suffering.  The more compassion you have, the more you get.” – Jennifer Campbell. Compassion is love in action. Wherever Jesus went when Jesus saw the needs of the people, He had compassion on them and addressed their needs. 

When we show compassion to others, it opens the opportunity for others to experience God’s love and compassion. We are God’s ambassadors in this world and we represent the kingdom of God. When we demonstrate compassion, we shine for God and bring an impact to our community city, nation. 

“Real meaning and true happiness comes from thinking about other people – and from actions that bring meaning or joy to other peoples’ lives.” – Christine Carter, author of Raising Happiness: 10 Simple Steps for More Joyful Kids and Happier Parents

2. Endurance

“… fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.  You have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood in your striving against sin (Hebrews 12:2-4)

Endurance requires great physical stamina and an unwavering focus until the task is complete.  An athlete whose goal is the gold medal will do whatever it takes to train his body to perform at the optimum on race day. He will suffer pain, stick to a strict diet, possibly even deny himself little pleasures, just for that gold medal.  Why? Because, to him, the gold medal is worth it all.

Jesus chose to go to the cross because, to Him, we were worth it all.  

When we serve Jesus by serving others, do we have the same view that Jesus did (that they are worth our all)? Are the people we serve worth our time and energy?  More importantly, are they worthy of Jesus’ death on the cross?

Endurance in the Christian life is not about us.  It is about forming the character of Christ within us, so that “they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven”. (Matthew 5:16b) How much pain we can take varies from person to person.  The more pain we can bear, the faster we will see positive results.  Sometimes, there is no substitute for time e.g. strong muscles cannot happen overnight.  Weight-bearing exercises done consistently over a period of time will strengthen and build up muscles.  In the same way, as we endure the disciplines of the Christian life (prayer, reading and studying the Bible, witnessing), we will see Christ’s character being formed in us.

3. Submission

“For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps, WHO COMMITTED NO SIN, NOR WAS ANY DECEIT FOUND IN HIS MOUTH; and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously; and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed.” (1 Peter 2:21-24)

In order to submit to another’s authority, we need to be humble.  Jesus is “God’s glory clothed in humility” (Abraham Lalamentik). Jesus’ submission to the Father is the example for us to follow.  What Jesus did goes against every grain of human nature within us. Yet, Jesus chose to submit  because He knew the consequences of His suffering: abundant life for all who believe in Him.  

Submission is a choice.  We can submit to another person willingly or unwillingly.  Willing submission brings the fruit of good character qualities in us.  Unwilling submission creates negative feelings of anger and resentment.  Christ willingly submitted to the Father.  The consequences of His actions are still felt today.

When we choose to willingly submit to God’s authority, we learn to walk in humility.  When humility becomes part of our character, many will be blessed.

DISCUSSION

1. Share some of the examples of Jesus showing compassion (e.g. miracle of feeding 5000 men) and how can we show compassion to the needs around us. 

2. Share and reflect on what choices have you made this week that could help you develop characters of compassion, endurance, and submission?

CONCLUSION

Our character is shaped by our choices.  Good choices produce good character. As Christ is formed in us more and more every day, may we be able to say to others: “Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 11:1)