Imitation of Christ & Living Out Christ

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We are all called to be Christ's clone in the world Rom 8:29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 

We are to imitate Christ. But we all know that Christ's model is of the highest standard and we have trouble imitating it. Many shy away from admitting they are Christians in front of others because they know that even non-believers have some high expectations of Christians. There are some who decline leadership because they don't think they can live up to the standards required of leadership.

In my own experience, when being reminded of the need to correct some bad behavior, or to start some new project, I told God that it was tough on me. I argued that it was the way I was built. I am strong in there and weak in here. Can you, God, let it go? 

But God reminded me that it was not a good excuse. He understands our weaknesses and hence has given us :

• Jesus Christ in Us (CIU) Col 1:27(To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.). 
•  We have 2Co 12:9 But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." And 
• 2Co 9:8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.

Our imitation of Christ is only possible when we draw from the Grace that is in Christ in us. We need to live out the Christ in us. It is impossible to live to Christ's standard through our own efforts.

• Ephesians 6:10 - "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power."

Hence, let us in faith, trusting in the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, boldly step out in this journey.

Comments by ChatGPT: Is the message good?

Yes, the message is thoughtful and encouraging. It acknowledges the realistic struggles Christians face in living up to Christ's example and offers a balanced perspective by emphasizing reliance on God's grace and strength. Here are a few points that make it effective:

1. Realistic Acknowledgment: It starts by recognizing the difficulty of imitating Christ, which can resonate with many who feel the same way.

2. Scriptural Foundation: It uses specific Bible verses to support each point, grounding the message in biblical teaching.

3. Encouragement and Hope: It shifts from acknowledging human weakness to offering hope and encouragement through God's provision and grace.

4. Practical Application: It encourages believers to act in faith, relying on Christ's power, which is a practical and actionable takeaway.

Overall, it effectively combines empathy, scriptural support, and practical advice, making it a strong and motivational message.

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基督的模仿与活出基督

我们都被呼召在这世界上成为基督的形像，罗马书 8:29 （因为他预先所知道的人，就预先定下效法他儿子的模样，使他儿子在许多弟兄中作长子。）我们要模仿基督。但我们都知道，基督的模范是最高标准的，我们很难模仿。

• 许多人在其他人面前不愿承认自己是基督徒，因为他们知道即使是非信徒也对基督徒抱有一些很高的期望。
• 有些人拒绝领导，因为他们认为自己无法达到领导所需的标准。

根据我自己的经验，在被提醒需要纠正一些不良行为或开始一些新项目时，我告诉上帝这对我来说很难。我辩称这是我天生的方式。我在某些方面很坚强，在某些方面很脆弱。上帝，你能放过我吗？

但上帝提醒我，这不是一个好借口。他了解我们的软弱，因此赐给了我们：

• 基督在我们里面（CIU）哥罗西书 1:27（神愿意叫外邦人知道这奥秘的丰富荣耀是什么，就是基督在你们心里成了有荣耀的盼望）。
• 哥林多后书 12:9 但他对我说：“我的恩典够你用的，因为我的能力在软弱中显得完全。”
• 还有哥林多后书 9:8 神能将各样的恩惠多多地加给你，使你在各样事上常常富足，可以多多行各样的善事。

只有当我们从基督里的恩典中汲取时，我们才能模仿基督。我们需要活出内在的基督。通过我们自己的努力，不可能达到基督的标准。

• 以弗所书 6:10 - “我还有末了的话：你们要靠着主的大能，和他权能的能力刚强起来。”

所以，让我们带着信心，靠着耶稣恩典的大能，勇敢的开始吧。

Lim Liat (c) 28-12-2007 updated 21-8-2023