This week, I’d like us to reflect on our purpose as followers of Jesus. Is our goal to be “biblical” or to be “Christlike”? Which posture is more likely to influence others for the kingdom? Which is more consistent with what Jesus taught his disciples?  

My concern in the current divided and partisan climate is that being “biblical” seems to be more about being right on this or that issue. The tendency is toward being dogmatic and legalistic. Being “Christlike,” however, is about being like Jesus, who humbled himself and spoke truth in love, valuing the person more than a position.   

Consider C.S. Lewis, who, in his classic apologetic work, Mere Christianity, summarizes the purpose of Christianity in one sentence: “Every Christian is to become a little Christ.” He states, “The whole purpose of becoming a Christian is simply nothing else.” (Lewis, p. 154) 

A few pages later, he expands his argument and challenges us who are part of the established church: 

[The] Church exists for nothing else but to draw men [sic] into Christ, to make them little Christs. If they are not doing that, all the cathedrals, clergy, missions, sermons, even the Bible itself, are simply a waste of time. God made man [sic] for no other purpose.” (Lewis, p. 171)

Perhaps this is what Jesus was alluding to in the Sermon on the Mount, when he said, “You are the salt of the earth . . . You are the light of the world.” (Matthew 5:13a, 14a) 

Later, after his resurrection, Jesus said . . . “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” (John 20:21) 

We are sent! We are always on the move, representing Jesus wherever we go. At the end of the day, this is our calling, our mandate, our purpose. To make “little Christs” who are to be his hands, feet, mind and mouth out in the world. If we can’t do this, then all the creeds and confessions and bylaws, budgets and buildings are for naught.  

Being “Biblical”

To be biblical means aligning one’s beliefs, actions, and teachings with the content of the Bible as a whole. This involves adhering to the principles, commands, and narratives found in Scripture. A biblical approach typically involves careful study of both the Old and New Testaments, seeking to interpret and apply the teachings of the Bible in their proper context.  

Here are a few key aspects of being biblical:

• Scripture-Centered: A biblical person strives to root their decisions, worldview, and behavior in the entirety of Scripture, often engaging in exegesis (drawing meaning from the text) to understand the full counsel of God. 

• Laws and Commands: Following specific biblical commands, like the Ten Commandments or the teachings of Paul, forms a key part of biblical living. 

• Doctrinal Fidelity: Being biblical often emphasizes adherence to sound doctrine, ensuring one’s theology aligns with the Bible’s teachings on issues such as salvation, morality, and the nature of God. 

However, being biblical can sometimes focus more on rules and principles, and if taken too rigidly, one may lose sight of how those principles should be applied with grace and compassion. We can gravitate toward the letter of the law rather than the spirit behind it. 

Being “Christlike”

To be Christlike means emulating the character, actions, and attitudes of Jesus Christ (see Romans 13:14). This focuses not only on following the teachings of Christ but also embodying His spirit of love, grace, humility, and service. While being biblical can sometimes become a technical exercise in following commands, being Christlike places a stronger emphasis on the heart and relational aspects of faith. 

Here are a few key aspects of being Christlike:

• Love and Compassion: Christ’s ministry was characterized by unconditional love, forgiveness, and compassion, even toward sinners and enemies (John 13:34-35). 

• Humility and Service: Jesus lived a life of humility, washing His disciples’ feet, and serving those on the margins of society. Christlikeness involves adopting a servant’s heart (Philippians 2:5-8). 

• Grace and Mercy: Jesus extended grace and mercy to those who deserved judgment, focusing more on the redemption of individuals than on strict rule-following (Luke 19:10). 

Ideally, these should go hand in hand. The goal of being biblical is to ground one’s life in the truth of God’s Word, while being Christlike ensures that this grounding is lived out with the love, mercy, and humility of Christ. Being Christlike shows how we live out biblical truths, particularly the greatest commandments: loving God and loving others as ourselves. Which will you choose? By the grace of God, I choose being Christlike. Lord, please forgive me when I fall short and let me not be a stumbling block to others along the way. 

In Christ’s love,