To Be Like Jesus – Part 2

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

The Bible compares spiritual growth to a seed, a building and a child. Notice that each requires our participation. Seeds must be planted. Buildings must be built. Children must eat and exercise to grow. Now, while effort has nothing to do with your salvation, it has everything to do with your spiritual growth. Eight times in the New Testament, we’re told to ‘make every effort’ toward becoming like Jesus. You don’t just sit around and wait for it to happen. Paul explains our three responsibilities in becoming like Christ: (1) Choosing to let go of our old ways. Listen:‘ everything connected with that old way of life has to go. It’s rotten through and through. Get rid of it!’ (Ephesians 4:22). (2) Changing the way we think.‘ Let the Spirit change your way of thinking’ (Ephesians 4:23). And again: ‘be transformed by the renewing of your mind’ (Romans 12:2). The Greek word for transformed – metamorphosis – is used today to describe the amazing changes that a caterpillar goes through to become a butterfly. It’s a beautiful picture of what happens to us when we allow God to direct our thoughts. As we take on the beauty of Christ’s character, we’re set free to soar to new heights. (3) Clothing ourselves with the character of Christ. How? By developing new habits. Your character is made up of the sum of your daily habits. So God’s Word says,‘Put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness’ (Ephesians 4:24).

Prayer
Help me to be more like You, Jesus. Amen