The Mirror of Christ: Reflecting the Desirable Christian Profile
We turn our gaze inward, reflecting on the portrait of a true Christian, a profile drawn from the very Word of God. We are not called to mere outward conformity, but to a transformation of the heart that radiates the character of Christ.
The Desirable Profile: A Shared Calling
In 1 Timothy 3, the Apostle Paul outlines the qualities of bishops and deacons. These are not standards reserved for a select few; they are a mirror reflecting the character God desires in every believer. We are called to be:
• Blameless: Living lives of integrity, beyond reproach.
• Husbands/Wives of one spouse: Faithful in our marital commitments.
• Temperate and Sober: Exercising self-control and clarity of mind.
• Modest and Hospitable: Showing humility and welcoming others.
• Able to Share the Word: Equipped to communicate the gospel.
• Gentle and Peaceful: Avoiding violence and quarrels.
• Not Covetous: Free from the love of money.
• Good Managers of our Households: Leading with wisdom and care.
• Not Novices: Grounded in faith and mature in understanding.
• Having a Good Reputation: Living in a way that honors God before others.
• Respectful, Silent in Speech, Not Greedy for Money, Having a Clear Conscience: These traits show a person that is controlled by the Holy Spirit.
God's Character: The Foundation of Ethics
Our ethics are not subjective; they are rooted in God's unchanging character. Virtues like honesty, kindness, and integrity are not mere opinions, but divine attributes.
Romans 12:9-21: A Blueprint for Love
This passage paints a vivid picture of Christian love in action:
• Love without hypocrisy.
• Hate evil and cling to good.
• Love kindly and honor one another.
• Be zealous and fervent in service.
• Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, and steadfast in prayer.
• Share with the saints and practice hospitality.
• Bless those who persecute.
• Rejoice and weep with others.
• Be like-minded and humble.
• Live peaceably and repay evil with good.
• Do not take revenge.
The Unity of the Body: No Room for Partiality
God's love transcends all human distinctions. Galatians 3:28, Colossians 3:11-14, and James 2:1-10 remind us that in Christ, there is no room for partiality or prejudice. We are all one in Him. We are called to put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, and above all, love.
The Unchanging Standard: Jesus Christ
Hebrews 13:8 declares, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever." Our moral compass is fixed on His unchanging character. We must call right what God calls right, and wrong what He calls wrong. There is no individual freedom to redefine God's values.
The "One Another" Principle: Love in Action
Jesus set the ethical standard: love one another. John 13:34-35 and Colossians 3:8-9, 12-14 call us to live in a way that reflects Christ's love for our neighbors. We must consider those around us, treating them with the preciousness they deserve.
The Greatest Commandment: Love for God and Neighbor
Mark 12:29-31 and 1 John 4:19-21 remind us that love for God and love for our neighbor are inseparable. Our love for God is demonstrated in our love for those He has created.
The Pillars of Christian Character: Respect, Honor, and Honesty
The quality of our Christian character is built on:
1. Respect for Authority:
◦ Hebrews 13:17 reminds us to obey and submit to those in authority.
◦ Romans 13:4 shows us that authority is established by God for order and justice.
◦ A bitter attitude toward authority is a bitter attitude toward God.
2. Respect for Parents:
◦ Exodus 20:12 commands us to honor our parents, with a promise attached.
◦ Proverbs 30:17 and other passages warn of the consequences of dishonoring parents.
◦ Parents are God's appointed governors over their children's souls.
3. Respect for the Elderly:
◦ Leviticus 19:32 calls us to honor the elderly.
◦ Honoring age is honoring God.
4. Respect for Colleagues and Brothers:
◦ Philippians 2:3, Colossians 3:13, Romans 12:10, and Romans 13:8 call us to esteem, bear with, prefer, and love one another.
A Call to Transformation
- Preaching on Desires of the sinful nature
- Preaching on "High Places": Spiritual Strongholds in Our Lives
- Preaching on Teraphim Worship in the Bible
Conclusion
Let us strive to reflect the desirable profile of a true Christian. Let us allow the Word of God to transform our hearts and minds, so that we may live lives that honor Him and bless those around us. Let us be a mirror reflecting the love and character of Jesus Christ. Amen.
