Whose Character Are You?

I think I was like most children. When it came time to play with others, we would sometimes choose to mimic favorite tv characters. "You be ..., and I'll be ..." were the words we would use. Who were some of our favorite characters to play?

Even when we grow up, we often model our lives after other people either consciously or subconsciously. How many times do I catch myself saying, "that reminds me of something my dad would do"? Others choose to follow the examples of sports heroes, successful business executives, or others.

Last week while I was reading my Bible in Colossians 3, as a church musician, I was immediately drawn to verse 16. Then I noticed the surrounding verses. Here in these few verses, 12-17, was spelled out a life to truly model ours after - the life of Christ.

It even inspired me to create a graphic series to share with others. I'll share them here with you.

The Heart of Christ: Colossians 3:12-13

Here is a list of characteristics that should be at the heart of who we are. They should exude ("ooze" would be a good gooey word here) from us.

The Love of Christ: Colossians 3:14

Through this we can reach out to others, building bridges so that the love of Christ is evident to those around us.

The Peace of Christ: Colossians 3:15

We can have both external peace with others in the body of Christ, with whom we might even disagree, but also inner peace, peace with God and with ourselves. Each of these will lead us to gratitude.

The Word of Christ: Colossians 3:16

More than just reading God's Word, we are called to internalize it. In this way, it can give us instruction and direction. With it, we are also able to help others in their faith and life. And, in it, we learn to sing with rejoicing and thankfulness for all that God's has done and is doing.

The Name of Christ: Colossians 3:17

Not just the ending to our prayers, the name of Christ invokes the entirety of His being. We are to do everything... just... like... Jesus!

More about Jesus would I know,
More of His grace to others show;
More of his saving fullness see,
More of His love who died for me.

More about Jesus let me learn,
More of his holy will discern;
Spirit of God, my teacher be,
Showing the things of Christ to me.

3 More about Jesus in His Word,
Holding communion with my Lord;
Hearing his voice in ev'ry line,
Making each faithful saying mine.

4 More about Jesus on his throne,
Riches in glory all His own;
More if His kingdom's sure increase;
More of His coming, Prince of peace.

Refrain:
More, more about Jesus,
More, more about Jesus;
More of His saving fullness see,
More of His love who died for me.

"More About Jesus Would I Know"
E. E. Hewitt (1887)

May we choose our character to emulate well. Let's all be more like Jesus.

Blessings,
Richard

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