When we consider the animal kingdom, we see that each type of animal has basic features and traits which allow it to be classified and grouped into categories. Animals show their true nature in appetite, behavior, environment, and association. Likewise, as Christians, we should contemplate our own life’s appetites, behaviors, environments, and associations to see if our attributes reflect the image of Christ.
Appetite
It is true that good health is dictated by diet. But a goat’s diet is going to be different from a dog’s. Similarly, it should be that a Christian’s appetite is different from a non-Christian’s.
Instead of craving things from the world, such as riches or fame, our appetites should be driven by a craving for God’s Word. 1 Peter 2:2 states, “Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation (ESV).” The term, pure spiritual milk, is used here to reference the word of God as written in the Bible. Just as a baby hungers for the breast, we should hunger for the word of God. Like food, it will sustain us and give us life.
God’s words are also to be savored and enjoyed. Psalm 19:103 adds, “How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! (ESV)” Not only does the Bible contain truths that are needed as the main course, but it also includes the dessert of wonderful promises and words of encouragement.
We know from reading 2 Timothy 3:16-17, that “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness (ESV).” God’s word has everything we need to satisfy our hunger. So join me; eat it, and drink it up! Read and meditate on the Bible daily. It will change our lives and make us more like Christ.
Behavior
Birds fly, dolphins swim, and dogs wag their tails. They do these things naturally. But you can also shape animal behavior through step by step training. For example, I have trained my puppy to lay on his mat when he is in the house. He also needs to sit before he eats.
Likewise, human nature has distinctive behaviors. Some are good; we like to figure things out and we have an inborn sense of right and wrong (Romans 2:15). However, because of our sinful nature, we do not do the right thing. We are selfish and have sinful desires (2 Peter 1:4). Letting the Holy Spirit direct us and conform us into the image of Christ is the answer to receiving a spiritual nature. With the Holy Spirit’s strength, we need to search out holiness and moral excellency.
Just like working with my puppy, true obedience happens in steps, and it takes time. We might walk two steps in the right direction and fall one step backward, struggling toward the goal. This process of moving forward toward holiness is called sanctification.
When we first become Christians, we gain positional holiness through believing in Christ as our savior and redeemer. (This is called justification.) Then, as we walk through life, we work on practical holiness. These behaviors invoke a love of what Christ loves. Characteristics of justice, mercy, forgiveness, and truthfulness come to mind. They also invoke a hatred of what Christ hates; this includes sin and disobedience in every form.
Let’s allow the Holy Spirit to work in our lives, convicting us of sin and directing us toward righteous living. Let God modify our hearts and our behaviors to reflect His holiness instead of our innate wretchedness.
Environment:
Squirrels climb trees. Moles inhabit underground fortresses. Fish swim in lakes, streams, and oceans. Christians live in the world, but they are directed to not be of the world. (John 15:19; John 17:14; 1 John 2:15; James 4:4)
Let me explain. In a physical sense, all humanity abides in the world that we see. This includes grass, trees, animals, and houses. It encompasses the laws of nature and the building blocks of chemistry. But there is also a spiritual component. The phrase “of this world” refers to things in opposition to God or His true word, and it includes Satan, all evil, and all sin.
Inhabiting the globe puts Christians in an interesting predicament. We live here on earth, but this “world” is not our true home. Our hope lies in a heavenly dwelling, which we will inhabit in the future. In the meantime, we should act like travelers passing through, not getting too attached to anything worldly. We need to set our minds on things that are in heaven (Colossians 3:1-4) while fighting the passions of the flesh (1 Peter 2:11-12). We are to act like displaced refugees, waiting to go home, and seeking to glorify God in our actions.
Romans 12:2 says, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect (ESV)” Knowing the truth of God’s word and following the guidance of the Holy Spirit will reshape our human nature into something better. Even though our environment is worldly, our minds can be overhauled so that our thoughts and actions align with Christ’s.
Association:
Lions live in Prides. Fish swim in schools. Birds of a feather flock together. And Christians fellowship at Church.
The church was created by God to help us live out our Christian lives. It is often referred to as the “body of Christ” (1 Cor. 12:12-14; Eph. 4:1-16). As one body, we are called to work together using our gifts to encourage each other and help each other grow to be more Christ-like.
When I was in high school, we used to sing a song, “They will know we are Christians by Our Love.”
1 Corinthians 13:4-8 states that “Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends (ESV).” Believers show the nature of God when they are loving and forgiving of other Christians.
Final Thoughts
These are lofty goals, ones that we can not meet on our own; however, that doesn’t leave us off the hook. There are steps we can take. Foster a hunger and an appetite for God’s word in your heart. Comply with the promptings of the Holy Spirit to modify our behavior. Attend church, where we hear the teaching of God’s word and encourage each other. If we do these things, we will be equipped to live in the world, but not be of the world.
May I encourage you to begin this work, today! Strive to exemplify Christian characteristics now, and be comforted that God commits to finish it up (Philippians 1:6) Scripture promises that this endeavor to exemplify Christian characteristics is worth the effort!
