"1 John 2:4-6 [ESV] Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, 5 but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him: 6 whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked."
The goal of every student/disciple is to mimic his teacher. Therefore, a believer living an “un-Christlike” lifestyle is not impersonating or mirroring Jesus Christ to those around them. That un-Christlike believer is mocking the “Christ-like walk” to the world.
Simply stated (1 John 2:3-5) the student/teacher relationship should be growing away from “spiritual babyhood.” This is accomplished as the disciple of Jesus learns to do the Lord’s commands. It takes time and effort to abide with Christ, and that does not take place at the spiritual birth. We are encouraged to abide in Him and therefore, we must attain a “Christ-like” walk as we grow in Christ. If we do not, we are still spiritual babes.
This learning process takes place as the disciple abides in Him. As long as the relationship is strong and maintained, the “abiding” believer will grow in Christ.