To Be Like Jesus – Part 1

And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:18

Becoming like Christ doesn’t mean losing your personality or becoming a mindless clone. God created your uniqueness, so He certainly doesn’t want to destroy it. Christ-likeness is about transforming your character, not your personality. Paul writes, ‘take on an entirely new way of life – a God-fashioned life, a life renewed from the inside and working itself into your conduct as God accurately reproduces His character in you’ (Ephesians 4:23-24). Every time you forget that character, not comfort, is God’s first priority in your life, you become frustrated and wonder, ‘Why’s all this happening to me?’ Abundant living isn’t the absence of adversity, it’s growth in the midst of it and victory over it! Listen: "As the Spirit of the Lord works within us, we become more and more like Him…" ‘Yes, but how does this happen in real life?’ you ask. It happens through the choices we make – we choose to do the right thing, and then trust God’s Spirit to give us the power, love, faith and wisdom to do it. Since His Spirit lives inside us, these things are available just for the asking. When Joshua stood at the Jordan River, its floodwaters receded only after he stepped in. Obedience unlocks God’s power! God waits for you to act first! Don’t wait until you feel capable or confident. Just move ahead in your weakness, doing the right thing in spite of your fears. That’s how you cooperate with the Holy Spirit. That’s how Christ-like character is developed in you.

Prayer
Lord, make me more like You! Amen