For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:

(1 Peter 2:21)

If you are in Christ Jesus, then your goal in life should be to become more and more like Him. The Apostle John said, “He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked” (1 John 2:6). Through transformation we can become more like Jesus every day (Rom. 8:9; 12:1-2; Col. 3:1-4). Jesus suffered and died on the cross so that we would stop living for self and start living for Him (2 Cor. 5:15).

With the help of God’s Word, each one of us can be imitators of Christ. We have Jesus’ words written down in the Bible to guide our steps (Col. 3:16; 2 Tim. 3:16-17). We also have His example to follow. Listen to what Peter says in 1 Peter 2:21, “For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps.”

Jesus is a perfect example in obedience. His whole purpose in taking upon Himself the form of a servant and being made in the likeness of men, was so that He could do His Father’s will (John 4:34). Jesus said, “For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me” (John 6:38). The powerful truth that all of God’s commandments are righteousness is found in Psalm 119:172. Understanding that, consider Jesus’ words when John the Baptist tried to prevent Him from being baptized, “thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” John accepted Jesus’ words and fulfilled righteousness by baptizing the Creator of all things. Jesus Christ was emphasizing to John the importance of obedience. Even when it was difficult to do the Father’s will, Jesus “humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross” (Phil. 2:8).

It is imperative that we follow Christ’s example in this area. God wants us to be obedient children because, as far as He’s concerned, “to obey is better than sacrifice” (1 Sam. 15:22). The only way Jesus can propitiate for our sins is if we obey Him (Heb. 5:9). There are strong warnings in the Scriptures for those who refuse to submit to God’s will (2 Thess. 1:7-9).