A Changed Life: Christ-Like

“And I am certain 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.” (Philippians 1:6NLT)

Beware of thinking that you will become Christ-like overnight – no, never in this side of the world. You won’t. Some habits will be very reluctant to give way, just as some ice is so thick (from my today’s early morning breakfast) that it takes quite some time to melt besides hot coffee. All sin was forgiven at the Cross, this I believe, but we are not automatically straightaway become perfect human being as Jesus was.

And even though we may experience immediate deliverance from any particular wrong thing that is getting us down, God may keep us in suspense when He show us, in His time, something else (and more) in our life that needs attention. Oh, He often does that to me; whenever I think I’m fine, Lord Jesus, in His mercy shows me something else that needs to be repentance of. I tell you, the process of refining us to become Christ-like will go on all through our lives. We shall need time if we are to grow like Jesus. It is slow process; God will ‘make us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.’ (1 Corinthians 3:18NLT)

“Be patient,” writes Michael Green in his book New Life, New Lifestyle (1973), “keep in close touch with the holy God who has called you. Study the life and teaching, the behavior and example of Jesus if you want to know how God wishes you to act and react in the pressure of everyday life. And ask the Holy Spirit who lives inside you to take control of your personality and make you progressively more and more like Jesus.”

If you read the Scriptures carefully, you’ll be amaze by how God wants to take men and women, who are humble enough to say their need for God and come to Him in simple trust – I tell you, even in spoiled human lives, He is able to changed! Therefore, be open to God. Be humble. Be patient. Once He makes you more and more like Jesus – your life will change. When people noticed how much you have change, they will be amaze and realize that Jesus is real to you: this will bring Glory to Him. Amen.

THINK BIG. Beware of thinking that you will become Christ-like overnight… it takes time.

START SMALL. Get to know Jesus personally and obey His Word.

GO DEEP. Be Christ-like, and bring Glory to God.