On being/becoming Christ-like

andy b said:

i have always wished to become Christlike but with a family its just not feasable...my interpretation is just to do the best you can without harming others ..if i was to become like christ who would look after and feed my children ...im sorry for the cop but ill suffer in hell before my children are harmed

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RickardoHolmes said:

It is not an Either /OR situation, at least the way I see it. What if becoming more Christ-Like made you a better father, a better role-model and a better example for your children? What if all this bestowed on you made you better able to provide for hem?

The Christ Within is a spiritual state. It does not require that you abandon ALL materialism, only that you focus and prioritize. Clearly, you will learn along the way that the Spiritual Life is more rewarding and more fulfilling. But this is not something that I can teach you, for you have to find that balance which works for you.

And no one is forcing you. It is an option, if you choose not to follow, we do not love you any less.

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Iamblichus said:

I don't know if I have it in me to love others unconditionally, nor am I sure if I could do so, that I would want to. Perhaps it is judgemental, but I cannot find it in my heart to love those who do horrible things.

Perhaps one day, I will desire an unconditional love for myself..., but I'm not sure I could will myself to extend my own love unconditionally, and isn't that at least part of what being Christ-like it about? If being Christian is partially following in the example of Christ isn't lacking the will/desire to follow his example a fundamental failure that suggests I should turn to other teachings?

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Iamblichus said:

This has been hovering on the edge of my consciousness for a while, and I finally had a revelation of sorts today. While perhaps not an pleasant revelation I appreciate it for the explanatory power it has given me; I am a little uncomfortable about what it says about my character.

I find the idea of becoming Christ-like largely unappealing, while I acknowledge his sacrifice for humanity is admirable, it is not a process I would like to replicate Similarly I have no desire to find the humility and love required not to defend myself from aggression, nor am I convinced that finding the humility to live as a pacifist is an admirable choice. Additionally, I have no desire to provide charity for the homeless.

Where do you find your desire to become Christ-like? The desire comes naturally out of love and appreciate for Him and His love and sacrifice for me. Do you believe that you should try to embody his non-aggression and selfless nature? Yes, all faithful believers need to embody His qualities as diligently as possible.

(And as an aside, when your personal beliefs contradict those found in the bible what do you do?) Start changing my personal beliefs.

And perhaps most importantly, if you do find some of the lessons in the bible unacceptable, how do you keep to your faith? Again, I start changing my personal beliefs.

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