R.T. Kendall - Imitating Christ: Becoming More Like Jesus

R. T. KENDALL

TO RANDY AND NANCY

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-GRAHAM KENDRICK

When I was asked whether I minded if R. T. Kendall used the title of my hymn "Meekness and Majesty" for the UK version of this book, I had no hesitation in agreeing, considering it an honor to be associated in such a way. However, when I heard the book would be published in the United States, I felt doubly honored and delighted to know that he had employed some of the lyrics as chapter titles. If I had only one complaint, it is that I feel he has been overgenerous in associating my poor efforts with the masterpieces of my hymn-writing hero Charles Wesley!

As someone who has had no formal theological training and who depends upon the critique given by qualified friends to save me from the contemporary equivalent of being burnt at the stake as a heretic, I approach such themes in fear and trembling. In the case of the aforementioned hymn, it was a conversation with Clive Calvet that saved me from certain immolation when he saw that the original draft for the line "dwells in humanity" read "clothed in humanity." Poetically satisfying perhaps, but unfortunately reminiscent of an ancient heresy that claimed that the Son of God was clothed with humanity only on a temporary basis.

If any credit is being dispensed, I must be swift to mention the name of the late American preacher and author A. W. Tozer, in whose writings I first saw the words meekness and majesty side by side. It was after the hymn had been completed that on re-reading the chapter I saw in his inspiring treatise on the subject a plea that some day someone would write a hymn on the meekness and majesty of Christ. Perhaps it was his prayers that set it all in motion, and the momentum will be increased as more songwriters and authors mine this inexhaustible seam.

I have a dear friend whose love for Jesus shines unusually brightly and whose spiritual hearing is unusually clear. Some time ago he asked the Lord to tell him where the powers of darkness would concentrate their assault upon the church most fiercely in the period in which we are now living. The answer he received was "against the uniqueness of My Son, and the value of a human soul." In a climate of growing pluralism, syncretism, deception, heresy, and confusion, we need the church to arise and become imitators of Christ to the world. That is why I heartily welcome this book, Imitating Christ. I am confident that those readers who desire to be true worshipers, those who worship the Father in spirit and truth, will find here a treasure chest of truth that will intoxicate their spirits to worship.

-GRAHAM KENDRICK

hen I wrote the UK version of this book, the managing editor of Christian Focus Inc., Malcolm Maclean, had kindly approached me about writing a book based on Philippians 2:5-11. Since I had preached on this passage in 1986, I felt there might be something in his call. The sermons were subsequently typed from a tape recorder, edited with a view to making them readable, then presented to me for approval. What follows, then, is a severely edited report of my preaching on this most sublime section of the New Testament.

We considered several titles for the UK version-from Christ Vindicated to Let God Clear Your Name, but I had no peace that we had gotten it right. I turned to my friend Lyndon Bowring, who often comes up with ingenious sermon titles for me. But he too was at sea this time! He turned to his wife, Celia, who in seconds said, "I've got it Meekness and Majesty."

There was only one thing to do: go to Graham Kendrick on bended knee and ask for his permission! I can say that not only did he not hesitate, but he also graciously provided a commendation. I have regarded "Meekness and Majesty" as Graham's greatest hymn (so far, and the thought of having this magnificent work associated with my own book was almost overwhelming. What is more, some phrases from his song provided chapter titles so naturally that I am tempted to say he wrote it for me!

I have been saying for years-I'd like to think I was the firstthat Graham Kendrick is a modern-day Charles Wesley. Singing "Restore, 0 Lord, the Honor of Your Name" almost brings me to tears every time. The same is true of "Shine, Jesus, Shine." I could go on and on. But surely he will never excel "Meekness and Majesty"! I love that title.

When my American publisher suggested changing the title to Imitating Christ, at first it was jarring, but then I came to the understanding that my American audience would more clearly identify the new title with the concept of becoming more like Christ.

I believe I have written a book that should serve to unite Christians of various denominational and theological persuasions more than any book I have published so far. For surely we all have this in common: the desire to be more like Jesus. This is what this book is all about.

I pray for the reader's indulgence when he or she comes across two things that could be disconcerting. First, my love for alliteration (words beginning with the same letter, a sermonic device that is almost second nature to me. Secondly, the switching back and forth between the New International Version and the King James Version of the Bible. We had not moved to the NIV when I preached the sermons, but herein we have changed most of the references to the NIV.

However, the scholar in me prefers "mind of Christ" as the translation of Philippians 2:5, as also "form of God" in verse 6. And yet the NIV translation is perfectly good, and this most certainly is true with verse 9: "the name that is above every name," a vital grammatical point the KJV sadly misses.

What haunts me most, though, as I present this book to the reader is my own failure to come up to the standard of humility and Christlikeness the text calls for. But God isn't finished with me yet!

I want to thank Lillian McAnally and Deborah Moss for the devoted work they have done in further editing this book. I express appreciation to Barbara Dycus for her advice and, most of all, to Stephen Strang for graciously opening a door for publishing my books in the United States.

I dedicate this book fondly to one of our favorite couples in the world: Mr. and Mrs. Randy Wall of Key Largo, Florida.

-R. T. KENDALL

www.rtkendallministries.com

PHILIPPIANS 2:5-11

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death-even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and tinder the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.