Do you have 10 characteristics of a Christ follower? This list was created to help you and me examine our hearts in a new way. Coming up with this list really helped me see my flaws and areas that need improvement. My hope is that it will help you too!
No one is perfect I know but as we grow closer to the Lord, we will become more like Him. I don’t know about you but I want to do my best to please Jesus with everything I say and do. These 10 points will help us contemplate our own lives in a fresh way.
1. Peaceful.
“Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord” Hebrews 12:14.
2. Stand up for others who can’t speak for themselves.
“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute” Proverbs 31:8 NIV. “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in the power of your hand to do so” Proverbs 3:27.
3. Forgiving.
And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins” Mark 11:25.
4. Fear the Lord.
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. For through wisdom your days will be many, and years will be added to your life” Proverbs 9:10-11.
5. Honest.
“The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy” Proverbs 12:22.
6. Gently corrects other brothers and sisters in Christ face to face privately so as not to embarrass them.
“Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted” Galatians 6:1.
7. Slow to anger.
“Quick responses lead to quick tempers in the heat of the moment. My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry” James 1:19.
8. Don’t show favoritism.
“My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism” James 2:1.
9. Tithe & are good with money.
“Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops.” Proverbs 3:9.
10. Humble.
“When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.” Proverbs 11:2.
I feel very strongly about #2, speaking up for others (see my post about abortion). This verse, in particular, strikes a chord within me: “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in the power of your hand to do so.” Proverbs 3:27. I believe it ties in directly with speaking up for others but goes beyond that. People are in need around us constantly whether it’s physical, financial, relational, or spiritual. I try to pray every morning that the Lord will help me see the world the way He does. You know that He cares and sees things that we can easily miss.
There’s one quality above that you don’t hear talked about very much… Don’t show favoritism. This verse was talking about not showing favoritism to a rich man who is helping out your cause. But I think it can spill over even into our personal relationships and daily run-ins with people too. We shouldn’t befriend and show kindness to others just because we want something out of them.
Reflection
Now there are more than 10 characteristics of a Christ follower per se but this is a good start. I encourage you to study the Bible and ask yourself: what are the characteristics of God that are being revealed to me? Take notes as you go. The whole point of the Word is to provide instruction for life and reveal the heart of God to us. As we draw near to God, He will draw near to us, and naturally, we will produce good fruits in our lives.
As a bonus, here are the 10 Commandments, which are the best example of doing the will of the Lord! If you would like a free printable version of this that you can place anywhere in your home, please click on the image below or here.
A Prayer For You
Lord Jesus, thank You for reminding us of who You’ve called us to be. Please continue to reveal more to us and show us how to be more like You. Give us eyes to see others and their needs like You do. Give us strength and wisdom to carry out Your good works. In Jesus’ name, amen.
What are some other characteristics of a Christ follower?
Stay hopeful!
More related posts:
What does “lose your life” for God mean?
19 Comments
I loved this. Thanks for sharing
Hey Keith! I’m glad it resonated with you! God bless!
A worthy list. Thanks.
Thank you Oneta! God bless you!
“The greatest of these is love.” Love for God that overflows into loving others.
Yes exactly!
Thanks for Sharing, I’m very grateful.
God bless you!
Very inspiring
Thank you Emmanuel, I’m glad it inspired you! I love your name and I pray God blesses you in the new year as well!
Amen!
Do not get tired of sharing God’s word with others and I believe we shall meet in heaven when Jesus comes.
Thanks for that encouragement Emmanuel! Really appreciate you!
Great list! Perhaps #4 could be expanded to hungering and thirsting for righteousness–longing to know Him and His Word more, longing to please Him 🙂
Lily yes great idea!
First of all, I am in love with your blog design and the colours. They are very attractive. Secondly, I loved the post above. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you so much! God bless!
Very good post I love it
Thank you Aminat!
All and all good word. Maybe add these scriptures along with the ten commandments(God’s Law)
And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.”
Matthew 22:37-40
Thank you for the encouragement all in all a good word. I personally would add the following scripture and the Ten Commandments(God’s Law).
That’s a great point, why didn’t I think of that?!