How should I live? This is an important question that Scripture very adequately answers for us. Jesus the Savior lived perfectly among men (1 Peter 2:22), therefore his life sets the standard for which all of us should strive. The Bible teaches us that we should follow his example (1 Peter 2:21), that we should walk as he walked (1 John 2:6) and that we should think as he thought (Phil. 2:5). The WWJD (What Would Jesus Do) idea is a good one as far as determining conduct as long as we understand how Jesus would deal with a situation based on Scripture and not upon subjective thinking.

Let us therefore notice some of the crowning characteristics of Christ that all of us should emulate as we work to become, at least to some degree, the type of person he was. What great characteristics did Jesus possess? Consider…

1. His Compassion: Jesus’ compassion is seen in everything that he did. The Bible says, "when he saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd" (Mt. 9:36). Jesus was a friend of the underdog (John 9:35), a lover of the unlovely (Mk. 1:41) and a friend of the friendless. Are we kind and tenderhearted as He was? If not, then we cannot claim to be following his example.
   
2. His Courage: Jesus was not afraid to stand up against Satan and sin. He faced the devil heroically and won (Mt. 4:1-11). He faced the religious upper-crust of his day and refused to back down, even pointing out their inconsistencies and hypocrisy (cf. Mt. 23:1-36). Do we have the courage to stand up for truth? Are we ready to obey God rather than men (Acts 5:29)? Will we show the courage necessary to live the Christian life no matter the consequence? We will if we are walking as Jesus did.
   
3. His Concentration: Jesus’ focus was on fulfilling His mission which was to seek and save the lost (Lk. 19:10; Mk. 1:38; Jn. 9:4). Because his focus was solely upon spiritual things, He spent much time in prayer (Mk. 1:35; Lk. 6:12; Mk. 6:46). He readied himself for the task at hand and he let nothing get in his way (cf. Mt. 16:21-23). What about our focus? Do we seek first the kingdom (Mt. 6:33)? Are we constantly involved in the work of the Lord (1 Cor. 15:58). Is our sole purpose in life to glorify God (Isa. 43:7; 1 Cor. 10:31)? If not, then we are not thinking as Jesus thought.

4. His Conduct: Jesus lived a life of sinless perfection (1 Peter 2:22). Jesus never uttered a profane word (Eph. 4:29). He never had an evil thought (Phil. 4:8). His behavior was always on par with Jehovah’s standard. I will never be able to say that about myself (Rom. 3:23), yet, I will be determined in my effort to live as close to God as possible, always monitoring my conduct (2 Cor. 13:5), and making the necessary corrections when I miss the mark (1 John 1:7-9). Only with this kind of an attitude can I claim to be following in His steps.

"For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps:" (1 Peter 2:21)

Many other attributes that Jesus possessed could be mentioned. As I look at His life, I long to emulate His selflessness, impartiality, wisdom, spirituality and strength. O that I might be like Him! Let us all strive to put on the crowning characteristics of the Christ, understanding that if we follow Him, one day, we will arrive where He is—In heaven itself (Heb. 6:20).