Imitating Christ

Beauty is found in the places where we look like Christ because the most beautiful people are the ones that have Christ-like characteristics. They are selfless, focus on others, are not caught up in themselves or what others think of them. The extent to which we look like Jesus, and act like Jesus, that is how beautiful we really are. So, to be beautiful we need to be imitators of Christ.

What are you full of? The ugliness of self or the beauty of Christ? If we are so focused on God and others we have no time to get caught up in ourselves. The more time we spend with God in prayer and reading the Bible, the more beautiful we become. Our self dissolves as God becomes greater. Now, this won’t be an easy and automatic process to put yourself last, others second, and God third. Most likely you are used to putting yourself first and God and others after your own self interest. But with just a little bit of practice, it will become natural when you stay in contact with God.

Besides making the choice to be disciplined and pray and read the Bible every day, it’s also important to get in the habit of putting others first. Do a random act of kindness for a stranger, family member, or friend. Put an encouraging note by your husband, sibling, or roommate’s bed. Go to lunch with a friend. Complete a chore that isn’t your responsibility. Write a note to a loved one or friend you haven’t seen in awhile. You don’t need to do anything huge, it’s the small things that can change someone’s day, including yours. Whenever you add joy to someone else’s day, it will end up bringing you joy. You will feel overwhelmed with satisfaction, joy, and beauty.

Think about it: How will you imitate God today?

Verses for further reflection: Ephesians 5:1-2 1 John 3:17