How to Emulate Jesus in Modern Times
Insights from Brooke Ligertwood
In a reflective interview with Family Life Radio, platinum recording artist and Grammy-award winning songwriter, producer and worship leader Brooke Ligertwood shared from her own experiences that God has taught her the importance of continuous self-improvement, sanctification and the journey towards becoming more like Jesus.
Brooke references a prayer titled “A Liturgy for Those Flooded by Too Much Information,” as a testament to the idea that humans, unlike God, are not meant to bear the weight of knowing all good and evil.
“[God] sent His son to be the One who could bear that.” Brooke encourages, “It’s important for us to remember that only Jesus alone can bear the wounds and the suffering of all of humanity. And that each of us as believers and the people of His church, can’t single handedly end the suffering of humanity.”
That’s why Peter said that you should “cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7 NLT). Jesus intercedes on your behalf because of His great love.
In a world filled with overwhelming challenges, Brooke asks, “What can we do?” And she offers, “We can look around and say, ‘God who have you put in my life?’”
“’What are the actual instances of suffering in my neighborhood and in my family that I can minister to?’”
Brooke continues, “If every believer wherever they are was to do that, we would find the body of Christ in operation as God designed, being the hands and feet of Jesus” (See 1 Corinthians 12:12-27, which speaks about the body of Christ and how each part plays a vital role in the functioning of the whole).
Brooke’s journey toward sanctification is an inspiring call for believers. She states, “God is showing me that I am not enough like Jesus, yet. His grace invites me daily not to be discouraged by that, but to continue to allow sanctification to be a reality – not just a belief, a doctrine or something that I say because it sounds spiritual, but actually ask, ‘Am I becoming like Jesus? And am I welcoming the situations?’”
Trials can produce perseverance and maturity in our faith.
James said, “Be glad, even if you have a lot of trouble. You know you learn to endure by having your faith tested. But you must learn to endure everything, so you will be completely mature and not lacking in anything” (James 1:2-4 CEV).
Reflecting, Brooke notes, “We don’t have to welcome them. Sometimes, we just have to accept the situations that aren’t pleasant …. Admitting that I actually want what God has, even if He hasn’t ordained it; maybe He’s allowed it because He knows that even in this process, we can become more like Jesus.”
As we navigate the complexities of modern life, Brooke’s words remind us of the timeless truths found in Scripture. We are called to be more like Jesus, to act with compassion in our local communities and to trust that even our most difficult challenges can lead to spiritual growth.
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