First we might inquire, what is it like to be like Christ? The apostle Paul offers some thoughts in

Philippians 2:5-8 Have this mind in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: who, existing in the form of God, counted not the being on an equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men; and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, becoming obedient (even) unto death, yea, the death of the cross. (ASV)

The mindset of Christ is a mindset of serving. (John 13:12-16) This is the case even when the opportunity to serve is obtained at a great cost.

Hebrews 2:9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels (human) for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. (KJV)

The Logos held the highest station in all of God’s creation (God himself excepted) and yet he left his high estate and took on the much lower human form or nature. He did so in order to offer a corresponding price for the perfect man Adam, and pay his “ransom” price. (1Timothy 2:5-6) By freeing Adam from the death sentence, Jesus would thereby “taste death for every man”, for all humanity had come from Adam. Jesus was willing to take his great step of sacrificial service because he loved the human creation so deeply. Jesus wanted to purchase the “rights” to life so to speak that Adam had lost through disobedience. Then to restore life to all, as many as would come to him, in accordance with the plans that Jehovah had laid out.

So, why do we need to be like Christ? It is because the “high calling of God in Christ” is a calling to share in Jesus work, following his example of sacrifice, and afterward working beside him, restoring the human family. Jesus invites us to “endure” or suffer with him in order that we might also “reign” with him in due course. (Romans 8:17) Now we are in training for that priestly position, and the experiences that we presently have are custom designed to ready and prepare us for our role as kings and priests. (Revelation 20:6) So to the extent that we become “like Christ” to that extent we are becoming ready to do the work that “the Christ” head and body will engage in during the Messianic kingdom.