Christ-Like

The goal of all true Christians is to become Christ-like.  We strive to be like Jesus.  So, what does being "like Jesus" mean in the world we live in today?  I think it means we have to have "Christ-ears," "Christ-eyes" and "Christ-hearts."

Jesus could hear the hurt in the voices of the people he met by really, truly listening with his ears.  He took the time to really listen to how people said things.  When someone would ask him for help, he would listen with an open heart.  He was never too busy to listen.  He did all he could for those who asked.  We, as Christians, need to use our "Christ-ears" to really listen to the people we are talking to.  We need to listen to hear what the person is really saying.  If we hear, in a person's voice she is hurting, we need to ask if there is anything we can do.  We need listen with our "Christ-like" ears.

Jesus could see when a person had a need.  Not just a physical need, but a spiritual need.  He could see the goodness in every person he met, from the prostitute to the tax collector, from Martha and Mary to Zacchaeus.   We, as Christians, need to focus our eyes on other people, so we can strengthen our "Christ-eyes."  We need to use our "Christ-ears" to hear what is NOT being said, and our "Christ-eyes" to see what can be done to help.  Doing good things in the name of Jesus is great, but if we can see what others need and help them to fulfill those needs, that is glorious.  That is seeing with "Christ-eyes."

Along with "Christ-ears" and "Christ-eyes," we must have a "Christ-heart."  Jesus put God first, then the people and then himself.  When he was tired, he preached.  When he was hungry, he fed the masses.  When he was lonely, he prayed.  When he wanted to stop, he healed.  We need to do the same.  We need to get our "Christ-heart" pumping to do good works at all times.  When we are at the mall and see a woman with two children struggling with the door, we need to put on a smile and help her.  When we see the truck driver trying to turn into traffic, we need to smile and let him out.

In a world where time seems to slip away, and we rely on everything fast-paced, we need to slow down, listen to people with our "Christ-ears,' look at the world with our "Christ-eyes" and let our "Christ-heart" guide us.  Once we tune in our ears, focus our eyes, and strengthen our heart, we can hear and see who needs help, and use our heart to help them.

As Christians, we are trying to become Christ-like.  Christ gave his all for you and me.  Shouldn't we give our all for him by helping others in Christ's name?