Character of Christ
What are you like?
That question matters more than we often realise. When people look at us, what do they see? For Jesus, the answer was clear: His character revealed the Father. To the degree that He could confidently say, "When you look at me, you see the Father." It really was like Father, like Son.
The desire from there is that all who believe in the Father through the Son would likewise become more and more like Him. This becoming is about the character of the children of God emerging as we stand focused on Him. What matters to Jesus is that those born of the Spirit have the character of Christ—Humble, Obedient, Submissive, and Trusting.
The Foundation: Humility
Humility is the bedrock upon which every other characteristic is built. It's not the absence of strength—it's the foundation of true greatness. Jesus, existing in the very form of God, didn't cling to His privileges. Instead, He emptied Himself, took on the form of a servant, and humbled Himself to the point of death on a cross. His humility made Him approachable, drawing the broken and marginalised near rather than pushing them away. Becoming humble like Jesus isn't about thinking less of ourselves—it's about thinking less about ourselves. It's recognising our complete dependence on God.
Perfect Alignment: Obedience
Obedience ensures perfect alignment with God's will. Jesus didn't stumble into obedience at the cross—His entire life was marked by it. "My food," He said, "is to do the will of Him who sent me and to finish His work". That wasn't religious talk; it was the driving force of His existence. In Gethsemane, Jesus prayed for another way, but then came the words that changed everything: "Not my will, but Yours be done". His obedience extended all the way to His final breath, showing us that true freedom isn't found in doing whatever we want, but in aligning ourselves completely with God's purposes.
Willing Surrender: Submission
Being submissive sees the inclination to yield and abide in the leading of the Father for His glory. Jesus made it clear: "I can do nothing by Myself". The One who held all authority chose to submit Himself entirely to the Father's purposes. This wasn't forced compliance—it flowed from love, not weakness. Jesus remained perfectly connected to the Father, like a branch in a vine, staying aligned with His leading, trusting His timing, and submitting to His methods, even when they led to suffering. Submission isn't weakness—it's the strength to say, "Not my will, but Yours".
Unwavering Confidence: Trust
Trusting means developing unwavering confidence in the Father and in Him alone in all circumstances. Jesus declared, "I will put My trust in Him". His trust wasn't based on circumstances or people—it was anchored in who God is. Even at the cross, when everything visible suggested God had abandoned Him, Jesus trusted. His final words expressed this perfectly: "Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit". He couldn't see past death, but He trusted that the Father was faithful. Trust isn't the absence of fear—it's choosing to believe God is faithful, even when fear is screaming.
The Process of Becoming
God positions us strategically in places and situations where these characteristics can be established and deepened. Often, asking to be more like Jesus becomes an invitation to endure challenging situations that expose us to ourselves, so we can put it on the cross and look to the Spirit of God to change us from the inside out. These aren't random trials—they're the very means by which we're shaped into Christ's likeness.
For His Name's Sake
C. L. J. Dryden
Shalom
Next Steps
Reflect: As you consider these four characteristics of Christ—humility, obedience, submission, and trust—which one is God highlighting in your life right now? Where is He inviting you to grow? Spend time honestly examining which characteristic feels most challenging and why. Consider how these characteristics are interconnected: humility leads to obedience, obedience flows into submission, and submission is sustained by trust.
Pray: Lord Jesus, You perfectly embodied humility, obedience, submission, and trust. You descended to the lowest place, aligned Yourself completely with the Father's will, yielded Your plans to His purposes, and trusted Him even through death. Forgive me for the times I've chosen pride over humility, my will over obedience, control over submission, and fear over trust. Transform me by Your Spirit. Shape me into Your likeness. Make me humble, obedient, submissive, and trusting, as You are. Change me from the inside out. For Your glory alone. Amen.
Act: This week, choose one of these four characteristics to focus on intentionally. Identify a specific, practical way you can demonstrate it. If it's humility, serve someone quietly without recognition. If it's obedience, take the step you've been avoiding. If it's submission, release control of something you've been holding tightly. If it's trust, consciously place a worry in the Father's hands each morning. Journal about your experience and notice how God meets you as you choose to become more like Jesus.
