Photo by Elviss Railijs Bitāns
Every individual human being is a part of the great and vast divine pattern set by God in the beginning. Each is a reflection of the image of God, and this is especially the case with Christians. Being the first and foremost followers of Christ, they should be living in accordance to his teachings and, in effect, follow in his divine example. To be a Christian is to reflect upon the world and your follow man, the love, the grace and the compassion of Christ.
Reaching the Shadow of Christ
The depth of one’s relationship with Christ is an indicator of the extent one can follow in his example. If a heart is not ready to be filled with his divine love, how can they expect to overflow with his love, compassion, and kindness? It is only when the heart begins to reflect in his divine image that one can even begin to grasp at his shadow.
The cultivation of such a heart might sound easy enough on paper. Yet, it is profoundly difficult. This is because the world is a place where each moment can be a test of faith. Of course, this is no justification for not even trying. To try even in the face of failure is the most Christian thing in the world.
Following His Footsteps
When given time of your own, commit to regular prayer and meditation. Spending time in contemplation within and without the presence of Christ is great nourishment for the soul. This is where the transformation of the heart begins. Each time spent in deep rumination of his love is an inch closer to basking in the glory of God.
Photo by Tara Winstead
When given a reprieve, do not live as a mouse that is scurrying, aimless, and without direction. Learn to yield to the will of Christ. This is his word that beats within you. When you surrender yourself to his plans, you are more able than before to follow in his footsteps.
Lastly, love unconditionally. When you are able to do so, you attain a heart that can reflect a fraction of Christ’s infinite heart. The first and last pillar of being a Christian is love, and it is why all Christians are called to love others without judgment or reservation.
A Christian Life in the Everyday
The emulation of Christ is not only when the subject of religion is at hand. To be a good Christian is to be like Christ even in the ordinary moments.
Remember the bearing of Christ as was written in scripture:
- Be patient and understanding. Despite having knowledge of all that came before and all that will come to pass, Jesus did not look down on anyone. He was patient with everyone, always taking the time to answer any question slowly and in a way that could be understood.
- Be compassionate and kind. Despite being the King of the World, there was no pompousness in the acts of Christ. He was aware of his being, but it did not make him act any differently among his flock. He was always a helping hand and a listening ear.
- Be forgiving. Despite being the Son of God, Jesus did not behave as if he was above all. He walked among humans and engaged with them as equals. Yet, he was beyond them in goodness, forgiving even the most heinous of acts.
Photo by eberhard grossgasteiger
The Grace of a Christian Life
When one follows in the footsteps of Christ, one is not only blessing the lives of the people around them. They, too, are placing themselves closer to the light of God and bringing others closer too.
This is because a Christian is also a witness, a living testimony to the mercy and goodness of God. When one is a witness, one also serves as an invitation, beckoning others to explore their faith in tandem with them. When Christians explore their faith, whether together or alone, they learn to reflect the love of Christ, thus inspiring others to strive to do so as well.
The First Lady by Bonita McAfee Mitchell is part testimony and part memoir. It is the fruition of the love of Christ reflected through the words of one woman blessed and commanded by God.
You can order a copy of the book by clicking through this link.
