“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.” (Eph. 2:8)
No one has ever been saved by following the examples of our Lord, doing what Jesus did does not save you. “And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.” (Acts 16:31) We do the works of Christ after we are saved by the power of the Holy Spirit, doing the works without salvation first is nothing but good works, and no one has ever been saved by good works.
A Christlike attitude is impossible unless it is Jesus Christ within you.
Far too many people believe they are saved because they act like a Christian, a Christ follower, they do the works, they perform the deeds, they even say the right words, but they do not do so for the glory of God, but to be seen by others, and even within themselves as Christians, for they will say, again even to themselves, is this not how a Christian is to behave? No cussing or swearing, always polite, attends church on a regular basis, even a form of love will be exhibited by them, but the verse stands as truth against them, “Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.” (2 Tim. 3:5)
I do not seek these individuals out on purpose, but when I meet someone who says they are a Christian, I do not shy away from asking the pertinent questions, not for my sake though, as misinterpreted by so many of them, but for the glory of God. All the world will watch you if you say you are a Christian, and even though those who are indeed born-again do fall, and at times to the great dishonor of the Lord, those who are only professing Him with their lips, even to their own deceptions, can cause great and sometimes irrevocable damage to others.
To say you are one thing but then act in a different manner is called hypocritical, and those who claim Jesus Christ as Lord who do not live a life that is honoring to His Holy name are hypocrites.
I have often wondered about the thoughts of those who knew what David had done concerning Bathsheba and her husband Uriah, what were their thoughts concerning the King for almost a year? The word “hypocrite” comes to mind.
If you are following the examples of our Lord, but are not saved, not only will that lifestyle not save you, even if you have nearly everyone around you fooled, be aware that God is not fooled, neither will He be mocked. To plagiarize something means to take something that does not belong to you and claim it as your own, and that is what a works-based faith system is, we are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, not by works, so any works that you are attempting to do, even if they are following the example of the Lord Himself, will not save you. “For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.” (Romans 8:29)
Without salvation by grace, the examples, the works you are performing are as filthy rags, they will avail you nothing.
There is a hint of pride in these people, and if you listen to them speak enough, you will catch it. They know the right words, they perform the necessary functions, but not for the glory of God. They are not always intentionally attempting to deceive you and others, many times they themselves are deceived. It is subtle, and you must be careful when speaking to them, one misplaced word and they will see you as judgmental. Be kind but firm with them, what they believe themselves to be they are not, but they can be, if they will accept the truth.