God placed you on earth not to merely just survive but to
thrive. The Trinitarian God announced this purpose for mankind in the opening
chapter of the Bible. “Then God said, ‘Let Us make human beings in Our image and
to be like Ourselves. They will reign over” all of creation (Gen. 1:26 NLT). A
person strives to reign over all creation as they are transformed into God’s
likeness.
Rick Warren said, “God’s ultimate goal for your life on
earth is not comfort, but character development. He wants you to grow up
spiritually and become like Christ. Becoming like Christ does not mean losing
your personality or becoming a mindless clone. God created your uniqueness, so
He certainly doesn’t want to destroy it. Christlikeness is all about
transforming your character, not your personality” (The Purpose Driven Life,
p. 173).
In order to become more like Christ, one must actively do 3
things. It begins with one’s thinking. Scripture teaches that a person becomes
what he continually thinks about (Pro. 23:7). So “Be careful how you think;
your life is shaped by your thoughts”- (Prov. 4:23 TEV). It is vitally
important how you think and what you continue to focus upon. Thus, Scripture
admonishes us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Rom. 12:2). This
is a result of focusing on Scripture and allowing God’s thoughts to transform
our lives.
Second, a person becomes more like Christ by letting go of
their old ways. This is about changing your actions to line up with Christ’s
thinking. This is about “killing off everything connected with that way of
death: sexual promiscuity, impurity, lust, doing whatever you feel like
whenever you feel like it, and grabbing whatever attracts your fancy. That's
a life shaped by things and feelings instead of by God” (Col. 3:5 MSG).
Third, a person becomes more like Christ by developing new,
godly habits. “Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous
and holy” (Eph. 4:24 NLT). This applying what the Bible teaches. It doesn’t
come easy. It requires great commitment. Yet it will be worth it in the end as
we see the original and intended shape of our lives there in Him. (Rom. 8:29
MSG).
Therefore, may we seek to change our thinking through
renewing our minds by His Word. Likewise, may we seek to let go of our old
sinful ways, and seek to develop Godly habits. “Jesus did not die on the cross
just so we could live comfortable, well-adjusted lives. His purpose is far
deeper: He wants to make us like Himself before He takes us to heaven. This is
our greatest privilege, our immediate responsibility, and our ultimate destiny”
(Warren, Purpose Driven Life, p. 178).
In His service,
Matt
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