One of the greatest challenges young Christians face today is imitating the life of Jesus. We live in a society where many young people look to artists, athletes, singers, or celebrities as role models, forgetting that the only perfect example worthy of imitation is Christ Jesus. The apostle Paul wrote to the saints in Corinth: “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ” (1 Cor. 11:1). The verb “imitate” is in the imperative mood and present tense, indicating that following the example of Paul and Christ is not an optional suggestion, but a continual command for all Christians.

The Bible clearly teaches that the Christian must not conform to the ways of this world. Paul exhorted: “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Rom. 12:2). Sadly, many young people allow fashions, social media, wrong friendships, and fleshly desires to influence their lives more than the Word of God. The apostle John warned: “Do not love the world or the things in the world” (1 Jn. 2:15-17). Everything the world offers is temporary and can lead young people away from God. Moses understood this truth when he chose to suffer with the people of God rather than enjoy “the passing pleasures of sin” (Heb. 11:25).

Faithful young Christians must strive daily to imitate the virtues and character of Christ. Jesus Himself declared: “For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you” (Jn. 13:15). The disciple of Christ must reflect His life in every aspect of conduct.

The young Christian must imitate Jesus in:

1. His obedience to the Father.
   Jesus always did the will of God. He said: “For I always do those things that please Him” (Jn. 8:29). Even in the midst of suffering, Christ perfectly obeyed the Father (Heb. 5:8-9; 10:7-9). The young person who desires to please God must learn to obey His Word without reservation (Jn. 14:15).
2. His perseverance through trials.
   Jesus endured rejection, mockery, and persecution, yet He never abandoned His mission. Peter wrote: “Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps” (1 Pet. 2:21-25). Many young people face social pressure, criticism, and temptations, but they must remain steadfast in the faith (Jas. 1:12).
3. His love for others.
   Christ demonstrated incomparable love toward all people. He taught: “Love one another; as I have loved you” (Jn. 13:34-35). Christian love is demonstrated through actions, service, patience, and compassion (1 Cor. 13:4-7).
4. His prayer life.
   Jesus devoted constant time to prayer. Mark 1:35 states that early in the morning He sought solitary places to pray. In Gethsemane He also demonstrated complete dependence upon the Father (Mt. 26:36-46). Young people need to develop a strong spiritual life through continual prayer (1 Thess. 5:17).
5. His compassion for lost souls.
   Jesus had compassion on the multitudes because they were “like sheep having no shepherd” (Mt. 9:36-38). Christ came to seek and save the lost (Lk. 19:10). Young Christians should be concerned about sharing the gospel with friends and family (Mk. 16:15-16).
6. His willingness to forgive.
   Even while hanging on the cross, Jesus said: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do” (Lk. 23:34). Young people must avoid bitterness and practice forgiveness (Eph. 4:31-32; Col. 3:13).
7. His self-control in overcoming temptation.
   Jesus overcame Satan’s temptations by using the Word of God (Mt. 4:1-11). Today, young people face temptations related to immorality, bad friendships, drugs, corrupt language, and sinful entertainment. Nevertheless, God provides a way of escape (1 Cor. 10:13). Self-control is an essential characteristic of the faithful Christian (Gal. 5:22-23).
8. His humility and spirit of service.
   Jesus, though the Son of God, came to serve and not to be served (Mk. 10:45). He washed His disciples’ feet as an example of humility and service to others (Jn. 13:3-5). Young Christians must reject pride and learn to serve others with sincerity and love (Phil. 2:3-5).
9. His purity of life.
   Christ lived without sin (1 Pet. 2:22). In a world filled with moral corruption, young people must remain pure in thought, word, and conduct. Paul exhorted Timothy: “Be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (1 Tim. 4:12).
10. His faithfulness to the truth.
    Jesus always taught divine truth without compromise (Jn. 17:17). Today many change the truth in order to please the world, but the young Christian must remain firm in sound doctrine (2 Tim. 1:13; Jude 3).

Young people who choose to imitate the life of Jesus will be a light in the midst of darkness (Mt. 5:14-16). Their lives will positively influence others and glorify God. Although the Christian life is not always easy, it is worthwhile to follow in the footsteps of the Savior. Peter asked: “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life” (Jn. 6:68).

All young people are encouraged to seek God daily through prayer, diligent study of the Scriptures, and faithful obedience. If they allow Christ to live in them, then the world will see the character of Jesus reflected in their lives (Gal. 2:20). The young person who imitates Christ will find purpose, strength, and eternal hope.

Willie A. Alvarenga | (817) 681 4543 | btsop2004@gmail.com