“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” — John 14:6
Three things. Be like Jesus. Seek truth. Live by the Spirit.
That’s it. That’s the programme. Everything else flows from these three.
One: Be Like Jesus
Before we were ever called “Christians,” we were known as “followers of The Way.” What does it mean to follow the way of Jesus?
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” — Matthew 28:19–20
Jesus told his disciples to “make disciples.” Disciples are like apprentices. They’re people who follow and obey their Master, emulating their way of thinking, their habits, their attitudes, and their actions. They study their methodologies and become intimately familiar with their way of life.
This obviously requires spending copious amounts of time with the Master, gradually but consistently becoming more like the Master, and doing the things the Master did — more and more like he did.
This is how we ended up called “Christians” — or “little Messiahs” — in the first place. We were recognised as people who acted like little, anointed, bringers of God’s kingdom on earth. So bring back the wristbands, I say: WWJD.
Two: Seek Truth
Jesus valued Scripture, and that’s why we value Scripture. Let us let it speak for itself and humbly accept the authority of God over man.
Let’s read it all in light of Jesus’ ministry. Let’s do the work to understand the context and the culture. Let’s think carefully through the logical implications of our interpretation, and ensure it aligns with the character of God revealed in Jesus. Constantly revise. Remain open. Remain loving. Avoid dogmatism.
Let’s define our identity as Christ-followers on his terms rather than the world’s, or blindly accepting man’s testimony. Love the Lord your God with all of your heart, soul, mind, and strength. But:
“Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment…” — Romans 12:3
Three: Live by the Spirit
“The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.” — Romans 8:11
When we truly grasp this truth — and fully comprehend the prospect of an eternity with God, in fellowship with our brothers and sisters whom God has adopted (just like you) — it changes you.
“Do not worry” is not an empty command at that point. It’s based on a reality of super-abundance. “Love your neighbour as yourself” makes a lot of sense if you’re going to live with said neighbour forever. Freedom from the law should lead us to true self-sacrifice, where we can take seriously Jesus’ words: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ …The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” — Galatians 5:13–14, 22–25
Be like Jesus. Seek truth. Live by the Spirit. Three things. Everything else is commentary.