Have you ever stopped to consider the characteristics of Jesus and what made Him so amazing?
Maybe you’re overwhelmed by all the choices.
After all, Jesus was perfect in every way. But today, my friend Diana (from Diana’s Diaries) will share her top three characteristics of Jesus which every believer should imitate.
Diana is a dear blogging friend whom I met in person a few months ago. Her love and her compassion inspired me and I can still feel her warm hug as she prayed over me and my uncertain future. What a blessing!
The Summer Sizzle Blog Hop is open!
Today, I’m excited to invite Diana to kick off our SummerSizzleBlogHop. This series features nine inspiring Christian bloggers during the months of June and July. We’ve pulled our best Christian faith content from our treasure chests to encourage you this summer.
Stop by any of our sites each week to find fresh servings of encouragement to keep the faith spark going all summer long. Now is a good time to follow our Summer Sizzle 2018 Pinterest board so you can catch all of them. And, be sure to stop by next week to see who’s in the spotlight.
For now, it’s Diana’s turn to shine. And she’s shining the spotlight on: Jesus!
3 Characteristics of Jesus Every Believer Should Imitate
By Diana of Diana’s Diaries
I loved sneaking up behind my uncle and imitating his walk when I was a little girl. Both his hands along with his shoulders would swing and rotate in slow motion as his body moved all the way to the right and then all the way to the left.
It was as if he was breaking into a slow dance and I giggled every time he turned around wondering what I was trying to do behind him.
We see how our children love to follow what we do, and how we imitate church leaders, celebrities, and other world leaders.
Young girls and boys follow their earthly idols and are devastated when these singers or actors fail their expectations.
There is only one unfailing God who took on the very form of Man and showed His Creation how to imitate Him.
Imitating Jesus who is not only a perfect Man but also a Sovereign God means He has already set a splendid example for us to follow.
Here are the 3 characteristics of Jesus for every believer to imitate:
1. Imitating Jesus in His SERVANTHOOD
A servant is someone in my opinion one who is diligent in His Master’s field, and who makes sure to look not only for his own interest but also the interest of his Master.
A master is someone who treats his servant with respect and dignity.
“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the Cross.” Philippians 2:5-7 NKJV
To imitate Christ in Servanthood –
- We must empty and strip our self of our own vain glory and fill up with the humility of God.
- One must seek out willingly the interest of others as well. Be Selfless and not Selfish.
- We must be diligent until the work is complete on earth. It is when Jesus cried loudly on the Cross, “It is finished” that HE completed the work the Father gave to HIM.
2. Imitating Jesus in His SERVICE
I remember often reading this quote growing up, “Service to man is service to God” Jesus stepped down from His heavenly throne to serve mankind.
The King of all served us all with His humility and love by giving His life to set each one of us free from bondage.
For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45 (KJV)
And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.” Colossians 3:23-24(KJV)
To Imitate Christ through Service:
- One must serve another with our actions without any grudge, hypocrisy, or expecting any favor in return
- We must serve willingly as if serving the Lord and not man, even when the task is much difficult.
- One must study the SON- His compassion for the widows, the love for the little children, utmost care for the hungry crowd, and the groaning for those who weep.
3. Imitating Jesus through SUFFERING :
I struggle to imitate Christ in this area the most. The suffering the Lord endured for a wretched sinner like me is unexplainable and unbearable for me to fathom.
Yet the greatest example of love that Jesus showed for humankind was His suffering on this earth.
For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps. 1 Peter 2:20-21 (KJV)
To Imitate Christ through our sufferings
- One must be patient in suffering undeserved afflictions
- One must remain hopeful in the company of friends and believers
- One must rejoice in suffering for therein we will witness God’s strength and deliverance in due time.
And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed;” Romans 5:3-5 (KJV)
Note: If you are going through any form of physical, or sexual assault, please do seek help immediately. God has not given anyone permission to violate anyone’s body except to love one another no matter the color, gender, or race.
Photo Credit: Pexels
How about you?
- Do you think these three S’s – (Servanthood, Service, and Suffering) complement or contrast each other?
- Which of these three characteristics of Jesus do you struggle with the most?
I love reading your comments, and thank you from the bottom of my heart for visiting us today.
Until next time friends,
Diana
Meet Diana
Diana is married to her loving husband and privileged to be called mama by her triplets. She proudly calls herself a stay-at-home missionary mom whose prayer is to raise godly arrows and be a Pen in the Hand of God. Visit her over at Diana’s Diaries, where she pens Biblical insights about growing spiritually deep and being fully armored against the invisible enemy.
You will find her active on these platforms as well:
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How about some extra summer sparkle?
I’m teaming up with some of my favorite blogging friends to bring you the best of the best, all summer long.
During June and July, we’re sharing our top posts in the #SummerSizzleBlogHop. Each week you’ll find a new post on each of our blogs (Counting My Blessings with Deb Wolf, Valerie Murray, Ruthie Gray, Dawn Klinge, Nicki Schroeder, Diana from Diana’s Diaries, Melanie Redd, Married by His Grace with Carmen Brown, and of course right here on SunSparkleShine.
It’s going to be hot, hot, hot, so be sure sign up for blog updates so you don’t miss any of it (and get a free set of PRAY cards too!).
Brittany says
I agree with Diane. The hardest part to endure is to imitate through suffering. Yet, to know that in our imitation He will never fail, and we cannot fail, gives us hope in all things.
Melanie M. Redd says
To be like Jesus – what a wonderful goal!
Great words of hope and encouragement, Diana, and Marva!
Sure am blessed by both of you!
Karen Woodall says
Yeah… that last “S” is the hardest. We’re so wired to embrace only what is good from our perspective, and often miss the fruit and growth that come with suffering. thanks for this reminder!
Diana | Diana’s Diaries says
Marva , when I met you last year your gentle spirit and smile reminded me that you certainly imitate Jesus .
Thank you for allowing me to share this very post with you. Ever since I decided to imitate Jesus Christ over Church or dear ones , my life took a beautiful turn .
I pray many are blessed by this 🙂
Love Diana
Penelope Silvers says
What a beautiful post about Jesus, a most worthy mentor to imitate. I struggle in the suffering part, although I’ve certainly had my share and getting lots of practice. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
Marva | Sun Sparkle Shine says
I know just what you mean, Penelope. I’ve had my share of suffering and don’t think I’ve liked any of it. Yet, I’m humbled when I remember the extent of suffering Jesus went through.
I’m glad you were encouraged by Diana’s words today.
Blessings to you!
Debbie Putman says
Thank you for these beautiful reminders of ways to imitate Jesus.
Marva | Sun Sparkle Shine says
I also love that Diana’s three S’s makes it so easy to remember.
Thanks for stopping by today, Debbie!