We Are to Emulate Christ’s Example

A typical American family was driving home from church. Dad was fussing about the sermon being too long and sort of boring. Mom said that she thought the organist played a little too loud during the second hymn we sang. Sis, who was a music major in college, said that the sol … More

Criticism

 

Christ is our perfect example, which we can read in the four Gospels. God chose for you to suffer as you follow in the footsteps of Christ, who set an example by suffering for you (v. 21). Even though He  was sinless in what He did, yet He suffered at the hands of authorities. This was not a sign of weakness but of power. He had committed  Himself to His Father’s will, which is perfect.

We are so unlike our Lord. We are so quick to come to our own defense. We tend to answer sharply when we are unjustly criticized. We threaten our opponents when they say or do things against us. Jesus committed His care to the Heavenly Father in complete obedience even though He was unjustly attacked. He did not retaliate even when His life was threatened.  How would you and I have responded in the same set of circumstances?

Even though Jesus is the perfect example yet we are not saved by following His example because we are sinners. He did no sin (v. 22). He was the perfect example of submission to unjust suffering. He never tried to get even (v. 23). Sinners  need a Savior and need to repent of their sins. Then we are called to emulate His character and conduct because He is our example.

Application

Have I truly repented of all sin and now look to Jesus and His Word for the direction of my life. How do I respond to unfair suffering? In view of this Scripture how do I want to handle it differently in the future?

I Peter 2:21-23 (English Standard Version)


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