Devotional: Imitate Christ

[I have enjoyed the Morning and Evening devotionals of the late 1800’s Particular Baptist preacher, Charles Haddon Spurgeon, but find them a bit archaic in presentation. So I have re-written them in more modern fashion for modern ears, in some cases even modifying them.]

Those who claim to belong to him must live just as Jesus did. (1 John 2:6, NIRV)

Why should Christians imitate Christ? They should do it for their own sakes. If they desire to be in a healthy state of soul–if they would escape the sickness of sin, and enjoy the invigoration of growing in grace, let Jesus be their model. For their own happiness’ sake, if they would spiritually drink wine of extra complexity and refinement; if they would enjoy holy and happy communion with Jesus; if they would be lifted up above the cares and troubles of this world, let them walk even as he walked. There is nothing which can so assist you in walking towards heaven with good speed, as wearing the image of Jesus on your heart to rule all its motions. It is when, by the power of the Holy Spirit, you are enabled to walk with Jesus in his very footsteps, that you are most happy, and most known to be the sons of God. It was only when Peter was “afar off” (Mark 14:54) that he was both unsafe and uneasy.

Next, for religion’s sake, strive to be like Jesus. Ah! poor religion, you have been sorely shot at by cruel foes, but you have not been wounded one-half so dangerously by your foes as by your “friends.” Who made those wounds in the fair hand of Godliness? The one who professed faith but who used the dagger of hypocrisy. The person who under pretense, enters the fold, being nothing but a wolf in sheep’s clothing, worries the flock more than the lion outside. There is no weapon half so deadly as a Judas-kiss. Inconsistent professors injure the gospel more than the sneering critic or the infidel.

But, especially for Christ’s own sake, imitate his example. Christian, do you love your Savior? Is his name precious to you? Is his cause dear to you? Would you see the kingdoms of the world become his? Is it your desire that he should be glorified? Are you longing that souls should be won to him? If so, imitate Jesus; be an “epistle of Christ, known and read of all men” (2 Corinthians 3:3).