Imitation is a principle of human nature. It is natural, and therefore the means by which a great part of our knowledge and many of our habits are acquired. It is universal, prevailing, in all ranks and conditions of society. It is powerful, molding character, and controlling and directing life. It is ultimate, not to be explained, but to be accepted upon its own authority. Upon this principle human life develops itself; upon this principle education for the most part proceeds. This principle is manifested in religion; Christianity makes special use of it, and Christ is the model and Exemplar of all his people.
THE CHARACTER IN VIRTUE OF WHICH CHRIST IS AN EXAMPLE TO MEN...
He was faultlessly perfect. Although the Bible gives us many examples of virtue and piety, it has often been noticed that both in the Old and New Testament Scriptures human character is represented as imperfect. In Christ alone, no sin was found. His friends can find no words warm enough to praise him; his enemies can find no faults with which to charge him. How fitted, then is Jesus, our Redeemer, to be also our Model. If we are to have a model and master, let us choose the highest and the best. Christ always towers above us, and above all his rivals and all his followers.
His examples is singularly comprehensive. It must have occurred to the student of Scripture biography that human exemplars are usually quoted as illustrating one or a few excellences; Abraham of faith, Job of patience, Jacob of earnestness in prayer, Moses of wisdom and meekness, Joshua of courage, David of devotion, Daniel of fearlessness, Peter of fervour, Paul of zeal, John of love. In Christ, and in Christ alone, all goodness is conjoined. It is sometimes supposed that our Saviour exemplified only the softer and milder virtues; but this was not so, although for wise reasons this aspect of his character is dwelt upon most fondly by the evangelist. There was in him Divine harmony and symmetry of character, such as can be found in none beside.
His example was divinely authoritative. We base this statement upon his own language: "Learn of me," "Follow me," etc. And upon apostolic teaching: "Walk even as Christ walked," "Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example," etc.
THE RESPECT IN WHICH CHRIST IS AN EXAMPLE TO MEN...
There are respects in which we cannot imitate him. For example, in his superhuman knowledge and power, and consequently in his voluntary humiliation.
But we may imitate the Lord Christ in his consecration to his Father's will. He came to do the will of him who sent him, and he pleased not himself. This same principle and law is open for us to adopt; life may be to us high and holy, being devoted unto God.
In his personal purity. Jesus lived in a sinful world, and mixed freely with sinful men; yet he was unspotted by the contact. His goodness was not negative only, but positive; every virtue was perfected in his life. Can ordinary men, in the busy life of this workaday world, be imitators of Christ? There are abundant illustrations of the possibillity; the example of Jesus is one, which is practicable to follow.
Especially in his humility and condescension. This is the virtue to which in this passage, express allusion is made. The lesson, which the Lord wished to convey was a hard one; accordingly he taught it, not simply by precepts, but by example. A literal fulfillment is not expected, but the spirit of Christ's example may be truly shared.
In his benevolence. In the Saviour was not only a kindly disposition, but a habit of active beneficence, a readiness to forgive injuries, and to deal patiently and forbearingly with the slow of heart and the unsymphatizing. In these very difficult virtues, there is room for Christ's disciples to imitate their Lord.
The work of copying the perfect model is to be a progressive work. It will not be completed here; and this fact points on to the future. The perfect conformity is to be attained in heaven, where we shall be like him; FOR WE SHALL SEE HIM AS HE IS!!
For those who have never been "born again" ("passed out of death into life")...we invite you today! The following "Guide", we trust, will help you! Also, those who have been "born again," but have "slipped back" (wandered away)...we invite you also to consider the "Guide"...and "come back home"! Here's a "Guide:"
Jesus is Lord!
Every person on earth needs forgiveness for having disobeyed God. We cannot be saved from sin by doing better, but by the grace of God and through faith in Him. Yet, faith that does not produce action, is no faith at all. The gospel according to Jesus is: Believe in the LORD Jesus Christ and you will be saved. A believer in God will confess that Jesus is LORD and give evidence to believeing it by obeying Him. Whosoever says he knows God, but does not obey Him is a liar: (1 John 2:4). A believer in Jesus Christ is known by whom he obeys.
How To Be Saved
1. Confess to God that you are a sinner and deserve death. "All have sinned and come short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). "The wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23).
2. In sorrow, turn from your sins to God and ask His forgiveness. "Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts...let him return unto the Lord, and He will have mercy upon him...He will abundantly pardon" (Isaiah 55:7).
3. Believing that "Christ died for our sins...was buried and rose again" (1 Corinthians 15:3, 4), trust Christ as Saviour and confess Him as Lord. "If thou shalt confess with Thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved (Romans 10:9). Then "As ye have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in Him" (Colossians 2:6). [ The End ]