Living like Jesus is not about replicating the miraculous feats He performed, like walking on water or turning water into wine (although, that would certainly be amazing).
Rather, it’s about embodying the deeper, more foundational qualities that Jesus displayed during His life: love, compassion, humility, and service.
Personally, I find that taking a few quiet moments each day to reflect on how I can better represent Jesus helps me grow closer to that goal.
Living like Jesus is a goal—one I strive for each day. But I don’t always get it right. And that’s okay. It’s normal to miss the mark sometimes.
Life is like a game, and not every shot you take will be a score. What truly matters is the process, the learning, and the resilience that come with it.
It’s in the times we stumble that we grow the most. Every miss is a step toward getting it right.
So, instead of beating myself up when I fall short, I focus on learning from my mistakes, using them as stepping stones toward becoming better. After all, it’s not just the destination that matters—it’s the journey.
The Path to Living Like Jesus
For me, the foundation of living like Jesus is love. Jesus taught that love is at the core of everything. He calls us to love Him, and He calls us to love others.
One of the most well-known passages about loving God comes from Matthew 22:37:
“Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’” – Matthew 22:37 (NIV)
Loving others is just as important. Jesus’s teachings highlight the importance of being there for others—family, friends, and even strangers. A simple smile, a helping hand, or an understanding heart can make a world of difference. Compassion is key to understanding that everyone is fighting their own battles. A little kindness can go a long way. Humility also plays a crucial role; it involves being open to learning, admitting when we’re wrong, and keeping pride in check.
So, day by day, I do my best to walk in Jesus’s footsteps, showing love, compassion, and humility in all my interactions. It’s not always easy, but it’s a journey worth taking. And even though I strive and try, I know I can only get better with time and practice.
Shifting Your Mindset: Aligning with Jesus’s Way of Living
As a consultant, I have the privilege of teaching a program called “Increasing Human Effectiveness” (IHE), which is based on the principles of change management. It has become clear to me that many of these principles align with our journey to live like Jesus. The research suggests that we are complex beings, comprised of the mental, spiritual, and physical. And while the curriculum emphasizes how we can control and change our thought processes, I see a deep connection with the scriptural call for the transformation of our minds.
According to IHE, our conscious mind plays a major role in shaping how we live. It’s the “judge,” the part of us that makes decisions, evaluates situations, and chooses the actions we take. This is where we make conscious decisions to live in alignment with Jesus’s teachings. For example, when we intentionally decide to bless someone—whether by offering a kind word or giving financial support—we are using our conscious minds to embody Christ-like behavior.
However, the subconscious mind, or spirit, stores our habits, our personal reality. It is unbiased and non-judgmental; it simply accepts the information we feed it. If we constantly tell ourselves, “I can’t do this,” or “I’m not good enough,” that becomes our reality. These beliefs, stored in the subconscious, determine how we act—often without us realizing it. To live like Jesus, we must feed our subconscious with the truth of God’s Word. By doing so, we can begin to shift our behavior, aligning ourselves more closely with the mind of Christ.
Paul’s message in Philippians 4:8 is foundational here:
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” – Philippians 4:8
As we consciously fill our minds with the goodness of God, our subconscious begins to internalize these truths. Over time, this leads to lasting transformation. The Holy Spirit works within us, using Scripture to reshape our hearts and minds so that, even when we’re not actively trying, we become more like Jesus.
Transforming the Mind and Spirit
One key area of growth is learning to control the subconscious mind by feeding it Biblical truths. This allows us to break free from negative patterns and establish Godly habits. When we align our thoughts with God’s Word, we experience the peace that comes from trusting in His wisdom and guidance.
Romans 12:2 offers clear guidance on this:
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” – Romans 12:2
Transformation happens when we actively manage our thoughts, thoughts that are rooted in Scripture. This process may take time, but it is through the Holy Spirit’s work in us that we can develop Christ-like qualities.
One important practice is speaking life and truth into our own lives. When we speak words of faith—words aligned with God’s Word—we invite His power to work in us. Our words should reflect what we are praying for, such as, “Lord, thank you for teaching me to manage my time well and avoid overcommitment,” or “Thank you for helping me walk in the Spirit and resist the temptations of the flesh.”
These affirmations, based on God’s truth, help condition our spirit for transformation. They align our thoughts with God’s will and set us on a path toward spiritual growth.
Practical Ways to Live Like Jesus
Living like Jesus is not about achieving perfection, but about consistently striving to reflect His values in our daily lives. Here are some practical ways to incorporate His teachings:
- Practice Unconditional Love: Show love and kindness to all, even to those who may be difficult to love.
- Forgiveness: Let go of grudges and forgive those who wrong you, just as Jesus forgave.
- Compassion: Show empathy to those who are suffering and offer support.
- Serve Others: Be selfless and serve those in need.
- Humility: Avoid arrogance or self-righteousness; adopt a humble attitude.
- Non-Judgment: Focus on your own growth, not judging others for their shortcomings.
- Prayer and Meditation: Strengthen your spiritual practice by connecting with God through prayer and meditation.
- Bible Study: Dedicate time to studying God’s Word and reflecting on its teachings.
- Generosity: Give to those in need, whether with your time, resources, or skills.
- Seek Peace: Pursue peace in your relationships and work toward reconciliation in conflicts.
- Turn the Other Cheek: Respond to hostility with patience and love.
- Seek Truth and Wisdom: Commit to learning and making wise decisions in alignment with God’s will.
- Resist Temptation: Show self-discipline and resist actions that go against your values.
- Community Involvement: Engage in your community, helping those who are struggling and making a positive impact.
- Live a Simple Life: Focus on what truly matters and avoid excessive materialism.
Jesus’s life serves as the ultimate example, and while we may never live it perfectly, striving to embody His values is a lifelong journey.
As we manage our thoughts, align ourselves with God’s Word, and make choices that reflect His love and humility, we grow more and more into the image of Christ.
Remember, the journey is just as important as the destination. It’s all about continuous improvement, learning, and reflecting Jesus’s love, compassion, and grace in our daily lives.
Amen! We often focus so much on the spiritual regeneration that we forget the mind and it’s power as well. Mind and faith have a connection, don’t you think? Mind plays a small role, but a role nonetheless in our belief system. What do you think?