The Heart and Character of a Christian: Following Jesus' Example

Have you ever considered that it's possible to do the works of Jesus and yet Jesus not know who you are? This sobering thought from Matthew 7 challenges us to examine our hearts and understand what truly matters in our Christian walk.

What Does Jesus Look For in His Followers?

In Matthew 7:19-23, Jesus gives us a powerful warning:

"Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will recognize them by their fruits. Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven."

Jesus continues with a startling revelation - many will claim to have prophesied, cast out demons, and performed mighty works in His name, yet He will declare to them, "I never knew you."

This isn't about whether these people performed miracles - they did! The issue wasn't their works but their hearts. When Jesus says, "I never knew you," the Greek meaning is profound: "I never came to know you," or "I never understood you," or "I never felt you." He never had that light bulb moment of truly recognizing whose you are.

Who Are You Really?

When you're born again, a radical transformation occurs. You are not who you used to be - instantly made new. As Colossians 2:11 tells us, your sinful nature has been "cut away" - you've put off "the body of flesh by the circumcision of Christ."

2 Peter 1:4 confirms this new identity: "He has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire."

You're not a sinner trying to get better. You're not an alcoholic or addict trying to improve. You have God's nature now! Your old nature isn't hanging on - it's gone. If you excuse your behavior by reminding yourself of your old nature, you need to understand who you really are in Christ.

The Heart of Jesus Revealed

Only once in Scripture does Jesus explicitly describe His own heart. In Matthew 11:28-30, He says:

"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

Jesus reveals Himself as "gentle and lowly in heart" - humble, entirely God-dependent, seeing no person as below Him, and a servant to all. This wasn't just a tactic; it was His identity.

How Should Christians Live?

In Mark 9:35, Jesus teaches: "If anyone wishes to be first, he must be last of all and servant of all." This isn't optional for followers of Christ. It's a command we must submit to.

Philippians 2:5-11 expands on this, instructing us to:

• Do nothing from rivalry or conceit

• In humility count others more significant than ourselves

• Look not only to our own interests but also to the interests of others

• Have the same mind as Christ

The passage continues by describing how Jesus, though in the form of God, "made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant" and "humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death."

The Mind of Christ Is Already Yours

Here's the amazing truth - this mind of Christ is already yours as a believer! The text says "have this mind among yourselves, which is yours." You don't have to strive to get it; you already have it. What you do with it is up to you.

You can rebel, be indifferent, be hard-hearted - or you can submit and come into agreement with it. God designed you to bear fruit. You don't have to convince a seed to grow; you just need to provide the right conditions.

The Example of Jesus Washing Feet

In John 13, Jesus demonstrated this servant heart by washing His disciples' feet. The Son of God humbled Himself to serve others. The point wasn't the act of foot-washing itself but the heart behind it - the willingness to serve others.

This is what family does - successful families serve one another. As the family of God, we have Jesus' example of humbling Himself for us. We're called to do the same - to see needs and meet them, to approach each other with love, to honor and prefer one another.

Life Application

This week, examine your heart and ask yourself these questions:

• Am I bearing the fruit that Jesus recognizes as evidence of His nature in me?

• In what areas of my life am I still claiming my "old nature" as an excuse rather than embracing my new identity in Christ?

• Where is God calling me to humble myself and serve others?

• How can I practically demonstrate the gentle, lowly heart of Jesus in my relationships this week?

Remember, it's not about performing religious duties or even doing mighty works. It's about having a heart that Jesus recognizes as His own - gentle, humble, and moved with compassion to meet the needs of others.

Take time to identify one specific need you can meet this week. It might be in your home, at your job, in your neighborhood, or in your church. Then step down, humble yourself, and serve as Jesus did. This is the heart and character of a true Christian.