To Be Like Jesus – Part 3

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

God uses His Word, people and circumstances to mold us into Christ’s likeness. God’s Word provides the truth we need to know, God’s people provide the support we need to grow, and circumstances provide the environment we need to show Christ-likeness. If you apply God’s Word, connect regularly with other believers, and learn to trust God in every circumstance, you will become more like Jesus – it’s a guarantee! ‘Some days I wonder if I’ll ever get there,’ you say. Spiritual maturity is neither instant nor automatic. It’s a gradual, progressive development that’ll take the rest of your life. Listen: ‘This will continue until we are mature, just as Christ is’ (Ephesians 4:13). So relax; you’re a work in progress! ‘Sometimes I wonder if I’ve chosen the right career’, you say. What matters most is that whatever you do, you do in a Christ-like manner. God’s more concerned about your character than your career, because you’ll take your character into eternity, not your career. Listen: ‘Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out, unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you’ (Romans 12:2 TM). Every day you must make a counter-cultural decision to focus on becoming like Jesus. As you do, the Spirit of God will empower you to follow it through.

Prayer
Heavenly Father, to be like Your Son requires that I surrender myself at His feet. I surrender – now shape me and mold me to be like You in this New Year. In Your Precious Name, Amen