I Want To Be Like You

Yesterday, I watched Disney’s Jungle Book movie with my grandchildren. One of the songs had the following lines:

“Ooh, I wanna be like you
I wanna walk like you
Talk like you, too
You'll see it's true.”

I want to be like Jesus. Which character traits did Jesus commend? The traits that He commended in His sermon the mount include being poor in spirit, being one who mourns, being meek, being hungry and thirsty for righteousness, being merciful, being pure in heart, being peacemakers, being one who is persecuted for righteousness’ sake, being one who is persecuted for the sake of Christ, being one who is like the salt of the earth, being one who is like the light of the world, and, being one who is like a city built on hill that cannot be hidden. [1]

Jesus taught us to let our light shine before others, that they see our good deeds and glorify our Father in heaven.” [2] He warned against continuing in anger towards a brother or sister. [3] He warned against looking at a woman lustful look at a woman lustfully. [4]

Jesus encouraged us to make sacrifices for the sake of being a Christ-like witness to others. He taught, “If anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles.” He said, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven [because] He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” [5]

“Dear Lord Jesus, please help us to walk and talk like You.”

[1] Matthew 5:1-14
[2] Matthew 5:16
[3] Matthew 5:21-22
[4] Matthew 5:28-29
[5] Matthew 5:40-45