Christ-like Quality

My friend Edie, at Rich Gifts, has posted her Friday Question: What quality of Christ's do you most see in yourself?

I've read the Mr. Linky links on her blog, and the self-reflections. I am so impressed with what I've read. These girls are on target. I have struggled with my own answer. My most biblical quality would be joyfulness. (Joy is one of the fruits of the spirit). But I don't think Joy is a Christ-like quality. I struggle to think of a biblical reference of Jesus being "elated" or joyful. He seems more gentle, especially than high-strung me.

So I guess my Christ-like quality would be teaching. I have a real heart for teaching women. I have led a bible study for stay-home moms for 9 years. I love it! I love being in leadership. Of course it comes with big responsibility. It scares me to think I might mislead someone unintentionally. But I always stress for everyone to test what they learn from any teacher with the bible. That goes for this blog too! Don't take my word for it. Check out the facts in your own bible with the help of the Holy Spirit.

Something else keeps coming to mind, so I will share it, although it is not a "quality." But something I see in my life, that I feel was in Christ's life is a difficult relationship with my mother. This is an arguable point (remember - check your bible and draw your own conclusions!).

I think of the instance when he was 13 and was in the temple. (Luke 2) His mother chastens him "we were so worried." And he responds "Didn't you know I'd be at my father's house?" He did obediently go with them, but it says they didn't understand what he was saying.

Later at a wedding, she tries to get Jesus to do something about the wine running out. He responds "Dear woman, why do you involve me? My time has not yet come." (John 2) Still he did perform his first miracle, turning water into wine.

In Mark 3, we hear the story of Jesus' family trying to get him to come out from where he was teaching. They said "Your mother and brothers are outside looking for you." Jesus tells them "Here are my mother and brothers!" referring to those sitting with him.

Like Jesus, my relationship with my mother is complicated. It is filled with misunderstandings and hurt feelings. I certainly am not trying to say I'm "just like Jesus." My mother is mentally ill, and in general not a very nice person. But like Jesus, who on the cross said to John "Son, here is your mother" (John 19) so his mother would always be cared for, I do try to ensure my mom will always be cared for even in our complicated and painful relationship.

My heart felt heavy to share that. I don't know if anyone will benefit from it, but I hope someone will. Perhaps like me someone is struggling with finding a "Christ-like" quality they possess. And by realizing that Jesus experienced everything we experience (temptation, rejection, persecution, and even difficult relationships!), perhaps you will be able to find that you are more Christ-like than you think. We all are the body of Christ.

1 Corinthians 12:27 -- Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.