The Most Christlike Thing We Can Do

When we think about becoming more like Christ, our minds often go first to knowledge. We think about Bible study, theology, doctrine, and spiritual disciplines. Those things matter deeply, and they shape us. But if we strip it down to the life Jesus actually lived, one truth becomes unmistakably clear. When we serve, give, and live selflessly, we reflect Christ more than anything else we do.

Jesus did not come to be served. He came to serve.

“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45, LSB).

That statement alone reframes the entire Christian life. The Son of God did not measure faithfulness by comfort, recognition, or personal gain. He measured it by obedience, sacrifice, and love expressed through action. His life was a continual pouring out of Himself for others.

Serving strips away our pride. Giving loosens our grip on control. Selflessness confronts the natural bent of our flesh to be selfish. None of those things come easily, which is exactly why they form us. When we serve others without needing credit, when we give without expecting return, when we choose inconvenience for the sake of love, something in us begins to look more like Jesus.

The apostle Paul captures this clearly when he writes, “Have this way of thinking in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, existing in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a slave” (Philippians 2:5–7, LSB).

Christlikeness is not found in elevation. It is found in descent. Jesus moved toward people, not away from them. He touched lepers, welcomed children, ate with sinners, and washed the feet of His disciples. Even on the night of His betrayal, He chose a towel instead of a throne.

Serving does something theology alone cannot do. It puts flesh on belief. It forces our faith out of abstraction and into obedience. Anyone can say they love God. Serving proves whether that love has taken root.

“If someone says, ‘I love God,’ and yet hates his brother, he is a liar” (1 John 4:20, LSB).

Giving works the same way. God so loved that He gave. Giving reflects the heart of the gospel itself. It is not just about money. It is time, energy, forgiveness, patience, and presence. Every act of generous sacrifice echoes the cross.

Selflessness may never draw applause, but it draws us closer to Christ. It quiets the ego. It trains the heart. It aligns our desires with His.

In a culture obsessed with self promotion and personal comfort, a selfless life stands out. It looks different because it is different. It looks like Jesus.

If we want to grow in Christlikeness, we do not need more spotlight. We need more servanthood. We do not need bigger platforms. We need bigger hearts. The path to looking like Jesus still runs through giving ourselves away.

And in losing our lives for His sake, we find them. Ask yourself this question, where can or are you serving at Ignite? We need you, the kingdom needs you! 

Soli Deo Gloria,
Pastor Jody