Christlike - Part 1
7-5-16 Nope, I am not Christlike. Wish I was!
How is one to be “Christlike” at all times? Is it possible to be “Christlike” and acceptable to all in the Church of Jesus Christ at all times? Does one strive toward one facet of being “Christlike” while forsaking anothers in order to please the brothers and sisters? Or in order to please the masses which do not believe? Is it possible to be “Christlike” at any time?
To be “Christlike” is, as I am told, to be like Him, to emulate Him, to strive to do as He did in all situations. If so then, according to this short list, I must, at all times, in each moment and thought: Love - Matthew 29:39 Hate - Revelation 2:6 Be gentle - Luke 8:54 Show Anger - Mark 3:5 Forgive - Matthew 6:14 Be violent - John 2:15 Be willing to be used - Matthew 5:40 Be ready to defend myself - Luke 11:21
Being “Christlike” is a new word in Christianity. It is not found in scripture. It is a made up word which, in common use, is condescending toward most believers. And it stifles the requirements of scripture in a pleasant, but insincere manner.
2 Timothy 3:16, gives us the duty, to correct ourselves and the requirement and right to do so with others believers also. The problem is we seem to judge rather than correct and support, and the result is just finger pointing by those caught up in themselves. Is this "Christlike?"
Could it be that in addressing an issue of disagreement we are fearful yet knowledgeable that our position will be found to be the faulty one?
As to the unsaved, it would seem we, most times, address their actions and ideology in a spirit of “love,” as we have been taught, but we ignore or are closed mouthed regarding critical issues. In so doing, we give approval to unacceptable actions in the Church.
We are to accept people as they are, that is true. But in the new Christlike attitude, we don’t expect any change in the unsaved, or saved. We have made the disobedient a friend which is more important in keeping with the social mores of today. This does little to “assist” the individual “people” involved.
In doing so, we fall short of our responsibilities to them as we reward them with gifts and such while they continue in their ways uncorrected. And more, they are accepted in the Church as is, some being given elevated positions in violation of 1 Timothy 3.
Did Christ ever turn one away when they asked for help? I think not. On the other hand, did Christ ignore or “hug” the “money changers” and others who misused the Temple, John 2:15? No. Did Christ ever label folks outwardly what they are, liars and such? Yes, John 8:44.
We have an obligation to God to stand with God. When a life style is not Godly by direct Biblical evidence, it must not be accepted in the Church any manner. When people exhibit these lifestyles, and they seek to be a part of a church, the issues must be addressed by the leadership, and corrected before admittance. This does not mean they will necessarily be shut out from attendance, but they must not be allowed in the membership or leadership of the church. But then, if they continue and attempt to share this unacceptable lifestyle, they must equally be put out of the congregation, 1st Timothy 1:20. Is this “Christlike” by the new standards?
So back to square one. What is being “Christlike?”