Teach Me To Dance

Author - César Muñoz

"Teach me to dance so I can dance with you."

Hello friends! Thanks for opening my blog. The prompt for this week is: A Disciple imitates Jesus' life and character.

What the flip does that even mean? How can I imitate the life of Jesus? Let's jump right into it! So, what exactly is discipleship?

At its core, discipline is the process of becoming a student and follower of a particular philosophy or, in a spiritual context, a revered figure. In Christianity, the ultimate exemplar of discipleship is Jesus Christ. To be a disciple means more than subscribing to a set of beliefs; it involves a deliberate and intentional effort to mirror the life and character of Jesus. This emulation extends beyond religious rituals to encompass one's daily conduct, ethical choices, and interpersonal relationships. A disciple should become just like his teacher. In this example, just like Jesus.

I believe that imitating the life of Jesus involves a commitment to selflessness, compassion, and unconditional love. The Gospels recount instances where Jesus healed the sick, fed the hungry, and comforted the distressed. A disciple, inspired by these acts of kindness, should seek out opportunities to make a positive impact in the lives of others. Whether through volunteer work, charitable deeds, or simply extending a helping hand to those in need, a disciple should aim to be a source of light and hope in a world often overwhelmed by darkness.

Furthermore, imitating the life of Jesus means embracing humility and simplicity. Don't overcomplicate it. Jesus, though He was the Son of God, lived a humble life, often associating with the Gentiles, prostitutes, tax collectors, and others of similar "social status." A disciple learns to value humility over pride, recognizing that true greatness lies in serving others. This manifests not only in grand gestures but in everyday interactions where kindness, patience, and understanding prevail.

The character of Jesus, as depicted throughout the New Testament, is marked by qualities such as love, forgiveness, and moral integrity. A disciple, understanding that character is shaped in the gauntlet of daily choices, endeavors to embody these virtues.
As Jesus exemplified, love goes beyond all known boundaries and extends to all, including those considered adversaries. A disciple should strive to love not only friends and family but also those who may be difficult to love. This love is not contingent on reciprocation or conditional in any manner but flows from a deep source of compassion that seeks the well-being of others and imitations of Christ's love.

Forgiveness, a cornerstone of Jesus' teachings, is another trait cultivated by a disciple. In a world overrun with conflict and resentment, the disciple chooses the path of forgiveness, recognizing its transformative power. By letting go of grudges and embracing forgiveness, a disciple mirrors the divine mercy that Jesus extended to even those who crucified him.
Integrity, too, is central to the character of Jesus. His unwavering commitment to truth and righteousness serves as a guiding light for disciples navigating a world often marred by deceit and moral compromise. A disciple, in imitating this aspect of Jesus' character, becomes a beacon of honesty and integrity in both personal and professional circles.

The journey of discipleship does not come without challenges. The world will present temptations, distractions, and adversities that test the faith of those aspiring to emulate Jesus. However, it is in these challenges that the disciple's commitment to abide is pruned and strengthened. The struggles become opportunities for growth, resilience, and a deeper understanding of the transformative power of becoming a disciple of Christ.

Moreover, the expectation of perfection can be daunting. A disciple must recognize that the journey is one of continuous growth and learning. Mistakes and shortcomings are not signs of failure but stepping stones toward greater maturity and spiritual depth. The grace that Jesus extended to his disciples during their moments of weakness serves as a model for disciples today, encouraging them to persevere in their pursuit of a Christ-like life.

Conclusion? Imitating the life and character of Jesus should be a radical movement in your life if you strive to be His disciple. In a world lacking love and authenticity, we need to make the radical decision to infuse love, compassion, and integrity into the very fabric of our daily lives.

As new disciples walked in the footsteps of Jesus, they became living testimonies of the unwavering, abundant, and radical life He modeled. They are a wonderful example of what imitating the grace, love, and character of Jesus could look like. The path ahead of those who imitate Christ is long and hard. But know that just like He fought battles for the Israelites, He is fighting battles for us right now. The trials seem unending and, at times, impossible. But know that the same God who delivered His people from Egypt is the same God who goes before you every single day. The disciples contributed to a legacy that has transcended time. So, like our brothers who came long before us, let's continue this legacy the best we can as disciples of Christ Jesus.

As I bring this blog to a close, I'm not entirely sure what emotions I am feeling. But I know I want to challenge myself to imitate Christ more intentionally in my day-to-day life. And I am challenging you to do the same! Thank you so much for reading my blog; I hope it brought you some joy and insight into my thoughts on imitating the life and character of Jesus.

The song for this week is Teach Me to Dance by Jervis Campbell.