Meanne M. Mijares
To those who do not believe in New Year’s resolutions, this article is for you. This is something that I truly value. I believe it is best to make our Lord Jesus Christ a role model all throughout our lives with many years notwithstanding. Here are twelve examples He did that we can follow. I suggest we do each one per month until it becomes second nature to us.
- He served others. (John 2:1-11). This He lovingly did without expecting anything in return. In our own little way, let us reach out to Him in the least of His brethren-the poor, hungry, lonely, jobless and those who are astray.
- He helped those who are sick. We can do this by cheering up those who are terminally and mentally ill, those who are confined in the hospitals and nursing homes, by making things easier for their caregivers as well. (Luke 5:12-15).
- He always prays to His Heavenly Father. (John 17). Our Lord loves His Father very much and so should we. God our Father made world and the entire universe and all that is in it. We should be grateful to the Father and honor Him just as our Lord does.
- He stood up for what is right. (John 2:14-17). It is alright to express anger, most especially if it is righteous anger as long as it is for the welfare and benefit of everyone who is aggrieved and marginalized.
- He showed mercy and compassion. (Matthew 14:16-21). This was the theme of Pope Francis’ apostolic visit to our country two years ago. May it not be dead in our lives. The Lord shows us mercy and compassion all the time, why can’t we do the same to others?
- He studied, learned and taught from the Holy Scriptures. (Luke 4:16-21). Like our Lord, let us study, read and grow from the Holy Scriptures. May His Word bear fruit that lasts in us by our word and deeds, how we deal with others in our midst. A daily Bible reading guide can be very helpful. Let us dig deeper into His Word and improve our character.
- He is humble. (Mateo 27:27-31) Pride is the most terrible sin of all. Many people have fallen prey to sin because of it. There is nothing to lose in being humble but too much to gain from it. He never bragged that He is the Son of God. He showed it in His good deeds, His wondrous ways in dealing with others. By humility, we gain not only the love and respect of others but also of God.
- He shared the Good News with others (Matthew 5-7). If we read His Word we also must do His Word. Be the Good News. Not everyone reads the Bible. With our attitude and the way we live our lives, we bring the Lord to them so they too might come to know, love and serve Him and be inspired to be like Him.
- He was able to overcome temptation. (Matthew 4:1-11). Our Lord Jesus Christ became man and lived among us. He is one with us in all that is good-except in sin. Temptations come in so many forms. If we are not strong enough to face them, they will surely get the better of us and fall into the trap and complicated web of sin. Let us learn from Him who overcame temptations. He wants to see a willing heart and determination not to yield to it.
- He is obedient. (Matthew 26:39). Even if He is God, He is obedient to His foster father and Mother, just as He is obedient to His Heavenly Father. In the book of Deuteronomy, the blessings and curses of disobedience are likewise indicated. Let us learn to obey our parents, teachers, elders and superiors and to those who are in authority (church, clergy, workplace and government sectors) for they represent God on earth. They are our mentors and deserve respect.
- He is forgiving. (Luke 23:34). We live in a world that is far from perfect. Sin of all sorts are being done everywhere by heartless, insensitive and inconsiderate people. Their poor victims are crying out for justice. Our Lord forgave all those who crucified Him because without them He would not have fulfilled the Father’s plan of salvation for us. Forgiveness is part of our redemption, I guess. It is difficult to do but by the grace of God, it is possible-if we are open to dialogue, restitution and repentance.
- He always brings hope. (John 14:15-1) His birth, death and resurrection give us something to hope and to look forward to. It brings reconciliation, unity, understanding and joy. Let us not make room for despair, melancholy, pessimism or sadness. In our brokenness, He will make us whole and wipe all the tears in our eyes and give us many reasons to smile and love and so much more to look forward to in this life and in the next.
I know this may be quite challenging and difficult because our world is so full of distractions. He said it won’t be easy but will be worth it. I know many of us are sure to grumble. Nothing is impossible if we ask for His help and guidance because He knows that this will be for our own good. Let us not give up and lose hope because He never gave up on us and neither He will forsake us because He loves us so much that He even gave up His very own life because He wanted us to be with Him in Heaven.
To live is Christ!