You’re a Christian, so what’s your long-range goal now?
It’s to become more like Christ!
The phrase “be more like Jesus” sounds daunting, right? But it doesn’t need to be. God’s Holy Spirit will help us as we cooperate with the work that he wants done in our lives. It is not as if we are striving on our own strength or capabilities to do something that is impossible. Rather, the goal of becoming like Christ is clear and the activities that accompany that goal are assisted by the Holy Spirit.
For example, it is not my burden (thank goodness) to attempt to love people even though they irritate or hurt me. God promises that as I draw closer to Him, and keep his word (the sword) at the ready, He will empower me to love people even when they irritate or hurt me.
There is comfort in this. On my own, I’m a miserable failure at mimicking Christ, however with his shoulder behind me and his words bolstering me up, I’m far better at imitating his character.
Consider this. The day that you became a Christian God started His makeover plan for you. Although this restoration plan will take an entire lifetime to complete, God is up to the challenge and will continue to mold you and make you into His own image. You just need to be pliant, flexible, and willing to allow His will in your life. The rest is up to Him.
Philippians 1:6 “And I am sure that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.”
Exercise: Make a list of five ways you want to become more like Jesus. Each day, over the next month, ask God to help you. Check on your spiritual growth and see if you accomplished your 5 goals.
