It is difficult to imagine the situations Jesus faced during His time on Earth and how He responded to each challenge. For us, especially when life seems stable and without significant problems, it is easy to ignore this call. In times of peace at home, work, or in our relationships, we may feel comfortable in our faith. However, what happens in moments of anguish and need? Can we still reflect the character of Christ when we face trials and adversities?
The true test of Christlikeness is revealed in times of difficulty. The human response to danger is often the instinct for survival, which drives us to react instinctively and uncontrollably. In such moments, many forget to seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit and respond without considering what Jesus would do in their place. It is natural for someone who is usually calm and composed to lose their temper in the face of an unexpected crisis; however, it is precisely in those critical moments that a person’s true character is revealed.
In solitude and during difficult decisions, our true capabilities and values come to light. It is easy to consider oneself brave, honest, or compassionate when there are no situations testing those virtues. But how do we act when no one is watching? In these solitary moments, the reflection of our character can determine whether we are truly on the path to becoming like Christ.
We cannot claim to be like Jesus without having faced trials that challenge our integrity and faith. Our character ultimately determines how we handle any situation. When circumstances are favorable, and we are well-prepared, it is easy to make the right decisions; however, in an emergency or crisis, reactions vary significantly. Some freeze, others cry, and a few manage to make the right decisions. This shows that Christian character is not only defined in times of peace but also in moments of chaos and difficulty.
The Gospel is not just a message of salvation; it is also a call to live a life of integrity in the midst of trials. Often, the Christian path leads us through difficult situations that challenge our faith: the loss of a loved one, illness, financial struggles, or family conflicts. In each of these circumstances, our Christian character determines the outcome. If we act based on emotions, we may make mistakes; however, if we first seek God’s counsel and reflect, we are more likely to make wise decisions aligned with His will.
Living for Christ does not mean being exempt from suffering. On the contrary, it is in moments of pain that our faith is tested, and our true trust in God is evident. When we face the danger of death, lack of resources, or illness, we learn to recognize God as our provider and healer. This process of learning and dependence is essential to forming a character like Christ’s.
The apostles are a remarkable example of devotion and sacrifice in following Christ. They aspired to reach “the fullness of Christ,” and for this, they were willing to face the same difficulties and persecutions Jesus faced. The Apostle Paul, for instance, renounced all the titles and honors he had to become like Christ in His sufferings, even considering all his achievements as loss compared to the knowledge of Jesus Christ.
In his words, Paul expresses his desire to know Christ deeply and partake in His sufferings: “But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ.” Philippians 3:7-11. Paul understood that the true Christian calling is much more than titles or positions; it is a call to live according to God’s will, even at the cost of great sacrifices.
When reflecting on our Christian lives, it is important to question our expectations. Do we seek to be known, to have a great ministry, or to achieve a position within the church? While these aspirations are not necessarily wrong, they do not represent God’s ultimate purpose for us. God’s purpose is for us to become like Jesus Christ.
Jesus Himself said: “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Matthew 5:48. And the Apostle Paul exhorts: “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” 1 Corinthians 11:1. This call to imitate Christ and reflect His holiness is a constant theme in the New Testament, where we repeatedly find a call to live a holy and consecrated life, as God demands: “Be holy, because I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:16.
If our expectations are not centered on becoming like Christ, it is time to reconsider our priorities. God not only wants us to grow in knowledge but to transform our way of living to reflect the character of His Son. Being like Christ involves not just imitating His teachings but also living with integrity, love, and humility, following His example in every situation we face.
In the end, the true measure of our Christian life will not be in our achievements or positions but in how we have allowed the character of Christ to be formed in us. Christlikeness is not something we can achieve only in moments of peace or under ideal conditions; it is a character forged in the midst of trials, challenges, and adversities. Only when we face situations similar to those Jesus faced and respond as He would can we truly say that we are on the path to being like Him.
