Tuesday, July 01, 2014

Christ's Character

ക്രിസ്തുവിന്റെ സ്വഭാവം

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect (Romans 12:2)

Christ is the only one who has gained complete victory over self. His own self was in perfect harmony with the Will of God. He has a completely Unified Personality. Love of God and man reigned supreme in Him and nothing of self-hindered it. He was selfless, pure and peaceful. Even He turned the ignominious criminal’s Cross into a means of Salvation.

1)   Christ's Character is the perfect Example of Filial Dependence
The Filial Dependence on God is not merely a passive trust in the providence and sustaining power of God. It is a motive which impels Him to fearless and unceasing activity and supports Him in the stress of trial and suffering. He feels secure in the sure guidance of God. A filial trustfulness is the secret at one of His energy and His rest, His promptness in action, His calmness in awaiting the suitable moment, His unbroken communication with God and His self-spending service of man. Dependence on God the creator alone makes us free. God’s service is perfect freedom and this attitude of Filial Dependence on God is the condition of a right relation to all that God has made.
2)   Christ's Character is the perfect Embodiment of Filial Obedience
It is the complete harmony between the Human Will and Divine Law. In Christ, the ideal of free will is realized. In its essence it is the obedience not of a servant but of a Son. It was based on absolute trust in the character and purpose of God. He refused nothing, disappeared from nothing, and questioned noting that presented itself as a Divine requirement. The entire completeness of that Filial Obedience was be relevant to one who took upon Himself the form of a servant but the willingness of it marked the glad service of a Son.

3)      Christ's Character is the perfect Pattern of Filial Love
Christ has taught the human heart that God can be the object of its highest affection, its purest passion and its deepest joy. The Filial Love of Christ displayed in His love for men was unfailing and unlimited. He healed the bodies and souls of the needy. He forgave without limit and finally laid down His life to win forgiveness for all humanity. Love is the bond of perfectness and to accept the love of Christ, the perfect Son, is to be transformed to the likeness of the Father Himself. 

In the Gospel we see Jesus as a Perfect Man. He has intimate knowledge and unbroken communication with God, the Father. The Life and Ministry of Jesus Christ itself portrays His Character in His absolute dedication to the Father’s will, His perfect love even for the lost, His self-identification with sinners to the extent of laying down His life for them, His self-sacrifices, His mercy for the sick and suffering, His utter unselfishness and self-control, His sinlessness, His forgiveness, His infinite patience under provocation, His silent majesty and courage before worldly authority and power, His righteous indignation and His lamb like meekness, His mastery over the circumstances, His free manipulation of the powers of nature for purposes of love and finally His triumph over death itself. In all this, He is a perfect man and God Incarnate. He is our perfect pattern, and the living companion who gives us the power to realize the pattern for worthy living. 

Christian character is the re-production in each individual, the life of the incarnate Son of God. Christian character results not from the efforts of man but from the outflow and operation of the Divine Life in us. Dear beloved, being a Faith Community do we resembles Christ's Character in our life so that others may find meaning in Life in Christ, and receive Christ as their Personal Saviour. Apostle Paul says, "Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ" (I Cor.11:1). Paul says in Galatians 6:17, "I bear on my body the marks of Jesus". What is demanded from us above all is the receptive attitude and exemplary life in Christ. There is great need of practical Christian Life so that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus (Philippians 1:16).