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Reflection Paper
Developing Christ-like traits is an important need for Christians today, but to many it is far from the accomplishment level due to various challenges. Today, many philosophers and theologians each bear their own view of what a Christian ought to be like, thus enhancing confusion to various followers. Philosophers such as Ayn Rand have contributed largely to such digressions since he has managed to draw off people from the real Christian characters. This is through the institutions of erroneous philosophies that argue against teachings of Christ. Wright in his book outlines the character of a Christians after conversion and the virtues that should accompany such practices (57). Many people assert their belief in Christ yet their character and decisions are contradictory to their professed positions. Wright offers commendable guidance to such issues by outlining the character that Christians should evidence after complete conversion.
Looking at a Christian life today, one realizes that it has changed its meaning with most people thinking that Christianity is based on doing the right thing only, while the truth is that an accompanying character is mandated. With this erroneous approach, many people view Christianity as a lifestyle laden with unachievable rules that hinder followers from having an enjoyable life. Due to this, a majority of people today do what they feel is right rather than what they know is right. Wright refers to Colossians chapter 3 as the manual that guides Christians in developing a Christ-like character that reflects the savior’s present state in heaven (78). Just as Christ in heaven is sitting on the right hand of God, so should Christians think about heavenly things other than chasing material wealth just as everybody else does. Christians should seek to be at the same position as Christ is.
Egocentric tendencies have forced Christians into conforming patterns with everybody seeking economic progress and forgetting that God is the source of wealth. Very few people permit God in their activities and earthly possessions and this has led to changes in recognized Christian virtues. Most Christians do not recognize the Sabbath day anymore and work all week long. In developing a commendable character, we ought to follow Christ’s illustration. As human beings, we are not perfect and often have desires that deny a Christian pattern of living. The body always evidences contradictory desires from set ethics by always seeking physical satisfaction (Wright 74). Following this, people’s feelings always contrast with the truth. For instance, one may wake up feeling that doing something is right as long as it comes from the heart. Most people believe that this is a reflection of one’s true self. However, such feelings could be wrong and end up hurting others.
Wright reminds us of this fact and asserts that we should do act on what we know is right rather than what we feel by considering the difference between feeling and thinking. By sacrificing our feelings, only then can we focus on what is the right. In this way, an individual is able to seek spiritual satisfaction that helps build a Christian character considering that feelings are one of the factors that lead to sin, for instance sexual feelings. More so, in sacrificing our feelings we are able to consider others and help them other than being selfish. Looking out for others is also a way of developing Christ-like habits.
Christianity characters are based on the fruit of the Holy Spirit that comprises of nine virtues that Christians should always seek to possess. The fruit contains love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control. All these are required for a Christian in developing Christ-like behaviors that he practiced on earth. As a fruit develops from the seed only, so should a Christian’s character be with the seed of conversion. Considering Jesus is the vine while we are the branches, we draw our lives from him, and the fruit thereby noted from the relation should be acquired from the Holy Spirit. The fruit of the Holy Spirit helps us in developing an acceptable character even within the present period.
Ayn Rand’s philosophy contradicts this approach as she considers selfishness as a virtue. Rand says that no man should live for the other, and instead each man should be concerned of what is best for him and not for others. Today many people pursue wealth accumulation and such that the rich and selfish continue in their affluence, even if it means acquiring the additional from poor individuals. Wright compares Rand’s teachings to those that Jesus advocated in terms of selflessness and caring for others. In addition, many people engage in self-interests without considering that others may be hurt (Wright 188).
It is therefore important to keep God’s constant presence in terms of our thinking considering how human beings are imperfect and thus prone to making many errors. Keeping God constantly during thoughts ensures that one continues to develop a Christ-like character that God wants us to have as opposed to erroneous human views as noted by Ayn’s views. Keeping God constantly in thought means that an individual is able to make decisions that are in congruence with the fruit of the Holy Spirit. Without keeping God constantly in our thoughts will definitely lead into a drawing away from Christian virtues. Many Christians who fall away from the Christian virtues are those who weaken constant fellowship by rejecting God in terms of thought and one’s plans. Having God actively present in all our thoughts ensures that we always have a second thought to any decision thus preventing us from engaging in actions that do not comply with Christian virtues. For this reason, for one to develop a Christ-like character, it is important to keep God constantly in our thoughts or in fellowship.
Works Cited
Wright, N. After You Believe: Why Christian Character Matters. San Francisco: HarperOne. 2010. Print.
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