I’m Called to Become Like Christ

In review of Romans 8:29 this morning, I read that “God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters” (NLT).

What I’m learning is that God's ultimate goal for me is to make me like Christ. As I become more and more like him, I discover my true self, the person I was created to be. I become like Christ, by reading and heeding the Word, by studying his life on earth through the gospels, by spending time in prayer, by being filled with his Spirit, and by doing his work in the world.

I had big dreams when I was younger. Aspiring to become something great. For most of us, that dream looks a bit different today. In fact, I may even think I’ve missed out, that I didn’t become what I hoped to become.

But here’s something I need to realize: I have been called to become something significant. Or more precisely, I’ve been called to become like someone significant.

I was called to become like Jesus. That doesn’t mean I’m going to become like a god. I’ll never be a little mini-god. That’s not going to happen.

But God wants me to become godly, to become like him. He wants me to take on the characteristics of Jesus, who is loving, joyful, peaceful, patient, kind, self-controlled, and gentle (these are some of the fruit of the Spirit found in Galatians 5:22-23).

This kind of growth will not happen overnight, nor will it happen easily. But eventually I can get there. The Bible promises us this: “I am certain that God, who began a good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns” (Philippians 1:6 NLT).

Next time I think about the fruit of the Spirit and get discouraged at how far I still have to go, remember this: God isn’t finished with me yet! He is still working to make me more like Jesus everyday.

In summary, God knew me in advance and chose me to become like his Son. His ultimate goal is to be like Christ. As I become more and more like him, I discover my true self, the person I was created to be. I become more like Christ by reading, heeding the Word, by studying his life on earth, by spending time in prayer, by being filled with his Spirit and by doing his work here in the world. I have been called to become like someone significant. God wants me to take on the characteristics of Jesus, who is loving, joyful, peaceful, patient, kind, self-controlled and gentle. When I get discouraged, I need to realize that God isn't finished with me yet. He is still working to make me more like Jesus.

Father, you want to make me more like Christ so that I can make a difference in other’s lives by serving, helping and being an example of what a relationship with you is all about. I pray this morning for the Holy Spirit to remind me of these things and to help me become more like Jesus in my thoughts, choices and actions. I pray for wisdom and guidance for my day, my leadership and my interactions with others. Help me to become more like Jesus. I also pray that through the tests I’m undergoing, that you will help my doctor help diagnose and provide the right treatment for my swelling. I pray these things through your Son Jesus name, amen.