Imitating Christ and Embracing God’s Centrality
The desire to imitate Christ appears in the deep inner transformation of a person when they abandon their own "self" and habitual desires, constantly striving to become like Christ through self-denial and a sincere aspiration for perfection. As stated in one source, "deny yourself (that is: reject your 'self', your will, and live not as you wish, but as God commands), take up your cross, and follow Me. Christ commanded us to imitate Him" (source: link txt). This imitation is expressed not only through external good deeds but primarily through an inner reformation of the soul, a continual striving to reflect the image of Christ, as noted: "The striving inherent in Christians... strive for perfection, for the reflection within yourself of Christ the Lord" (source: link txt).Regarding the central place of God in life, the focus is on the true spiritual life of a Christian revolving around God rather than external church forms or customs. One source emphasizes that "He will be for me the most fundamental living center in my personal life. Previously, until now, my entire religion somehow passed by Christ... Now, however... the church itself with all its sacraments should be nothing other than... a living fruit... of the inner, spiritual life of a Christian" (source: link txt). Another reminder of the primary importance of God in faith is contained in the assertion that "we can never forget the central place of God in our faith" (source: link txt).Thus, the desire to imitate Christ manifests as a continuous inner self-improvement, a renunciation of egocentrism, and an active embodiment of virtue through deeds, while the central place of God in life is expressed by the believer's entire spiritual life revolving around personal communication with God, who becomes the primary orientation and source of spiritual inspiration.