5 Ways to Live Like Jesus in the Modern World

Live like Jesus Christ.

It sounds like a simple, straightforward goal, but how do we do that in the 21st century?

After all, we have only brief snippets from Jesus’ physical life—at the well, in the temple, a few meals and some time on boats. Then there is the Passover in the upper room, His time in the Garden of Gethsemane and the crucifixion.

The Gospels don’t tell us much about His work life, table manners, family relationships, friends, hobbies and day-to-day life.

Jesus’ daily reality was impacted by the ruling Roman Empire. However, people in our modern times don’t interact with Roman legions, centurions and governors. Our world is much different.

Modernity is missing

Critics sometimes argue that the Bible is silent about the modern world. There is no discourse about space flight, automobiles, the Internet, TikTok or coffee, of course.

Yet Christians are still expected to pattern their modern lives after the life of Jesus. Highlighting Christ’s example, Peter said that we “should follow His steps” (1 Peter 2:21).

Much has changed since Jesus physically walked the earth. Sandals, donkeys and walking everywhere seem foreign to many today.

How do we live like Jesus in our technological, fast-paced, globally connected world?

Follow His character

While the Bible does not provide many details about Jesus’ daily routines while He was on earth, it does tell us He was sinless and blameless (1 John 3:5; 2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 2:22). His character perfectly aligned with the law and will of God.

Paul wrote, “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:5).

The world is in desperate need of compassion. Live like Jesus—be compassionate. This is how we live like Jesus. We emulate His character, beliefs and righteous behavior, rather than His wardrobe or hobbies.

His character is fixed and unchanging. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). Jesus Christ’s character can be understood and followed in all eras of history because it is based on timeless principles.

Let’s take a closer look at five ways we can live like Jesus in the modern world.

1. Practice compassion

Today, it is common to pit people against each other—to divide and judge. Ancient divisions—rooted in race, creed, gender, color or ethnicity—continue to flame into violence. Modern flashpoints—educational, political, economic or ideological differences—polarize communities.

Many who claim to follow Jesus have adopted political arguments and rancor. They often compromise their professed faith through anger, hostility and contempt for others.

In contrast, Jesus practiced compassion. Note His approach: “But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd” (Matthew 9:36, emphasis added throughout).

Jesus witnessed the problems created by centuries of man’s misrule and rejection of godly living. His response was to be moved with compassion.

Compassion is not acceptance of sin. Jesus was intolerant of sin. He directed sinners to repent, change course and sin no more (John 8:11). But He was also compassionate and offered sinners hope that they could change, rather than swift condemnation.

In His compassion Jesus viewed others according to their potential rather than their momentary or habitual mistakes or failings. See our online article “The Purpose of Man.”

Compassion requires humility and a willingness to love our neighbors. We should extend mercy and kindness rather than irritation or condemnation.

The world is in desperate need of compassion. Live like Jesus—be compassionate.

2. Seek the Kingdom of God

Jesus practiced what He clearly taught: “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness” (Matthew 6:33).

Jesus’ consistent message centered on the coming Kingdom of God. “Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel’” (Mark 1:14-15).

Jesus’ parables repeatedly focused on this Kingdom message.

The Kingdom of God refers to a future time that will begin when Jesus returns and ushers in a 1,000-year period when He will rule on earth. The Millennium (as it is called) will be followed by an eternal, spiritual Kingdom. View “Life, Hope & Truth Presents: What Is the Kingdom of God?” for more information.

To live like Jesus, we must pursue that Kingdom. This means aligning our priorities with the laws, principles and character of that Kingdom.

As Christians, we are to do good where we are able, but our attention should be riveted on the coming Kingdom (Hebrews 11:13-16). Like Jesus, we are less focused on hopeless efforts to fix this world and more focused on preparing for the world to come.

Live like Jesus—seek the Kingdom first!

3. Take up your cross daily

One familiar scene from Jesus’ life is when He carried His cross (John 19:17). Historians differ about what this wooden stake may have looked like—it may have been a beam or a T-shaped device. But the message was clear.

In first-century Judea, someone carrying a cross would do so to his death. The horrible scourging Jesus received had left Him so weak He wasn’t able to complete this task, and a passerby named Simon was compelled to carry it for Him (Matthew 27:32). But still, there was no turning back, no reprieve, no alternative ending.

Jesus used this concept to teach: “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me” (Luke 9:23). Jesus wasn’t telling His followers to physically carry or even wear a cross.

Rather, those who live like Jesus will be determined to follow Him for life. The admonition to “take up your cross” represents an all-in approach. Commitment is necessary. “No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:62).

It is a daily decision to grow, overcome and put in the work to be like Him.

Like Jesus, we will face resistance and persecution at times. We deal with our own weaknesses, which should be “put to death” (Colossians 3:5). Living like Jesus will bring persecution, which must be endured patiently. Living like Jesus does not generally bring glamour and accolades.

Do you desire to live like Jesus? Take up your cross daily.

4. Be a Sabbath-keeper

The modern world is hectic, chaotic and overwhelming. Jesus taught and practiced a solution.

God created and blessed the weekly Sabbath, making the seventh day of the week (Saturday) a holy time of rest (Genesis 2:1-3). This weekly gift was included in the 10 Commandments (Exodus 20:8-11).

The Sabbath offers the human family dedicated time to connect with and worship God, rest physically and emotionally, and reset spiritual priorities (Isaiah 58:13-14).

Sabbath-keeping may sound strange to modern ears. Some think reserving one entire day every week is too much to ask. There are other things to do: work, kids’ sports, entertainment, landscaping, or that second or third job. There’s no time for a day of rest.

Yet even the Creator of the universe rested. “And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done. Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His work” (Genesis 2:2-3).

Jesus is “Lord of the Sabbath” (Luke 6:5)—not was, but is! He rested on the Sabbath. In fact, Jesus said, “The Sabbath was made for man” (Mark 2:27). It’s a gift!

And “there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God” (Hebrews 4:9, English Standard Version).

It would be a mistake to reject this beautiful gift. Download The Sabbath: A Neglected Gift From God for more information.

Do you want to live like Jesus? Be a Sabbath-keeper.

5. Be one with the Father

Jesus lived in perfect harmony with the Father’s will and plan.

This was poignantly evident on the evening before His death. In anguish, He prayed, “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done” (Luke 22:42).

Earlier that evening, Jesus made a series of requests for those who would live like Him. “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word” (John 17:20). Jesus’ prayer included those living in the 21st century.

Jesus prayed, “That they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us” (verse 21). Living like Jesus means choosing harmonious alignment with God the Father.

This is a big ask in modern times. Today, there is a swelling emphasis on individual liberty, rights and even “personal truth.” To live like Jesus is to give up those things. It involves recognizing and submitting to the Father’s higher calling and purpose.

Being one with the Father includes accepting and endorsing the truth of Scripture (verse 17), even when it conflicts with social customs and ideologies. We yield our own desires to His plan.

Jesus was at one with the Father. Live like Him.

Jesus can live in you

What about you? Do you want to live like Jesus?

Assuredly, the world has changed since the first century. But, thankfully, Jesus is alive and on His throne in heaven. He promises to live in you and me if we’re willing to commit to Him.

Paul asserted, “I have been crucified with Christ”—through repentance, baptism and the laying on of hands, so—“it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me” (Galatians 2:20).

If you want to live like Jesus, you must let Him live in you. He will live with the same eternal, unchanging character we find in the biblical account of His life.

The ultimate result of living like Jesus is eternal life in the Kingdom of God. To live more like Jesus, download Change Your Life and Five Tools for Spiritual Growth.