Day #22: Monday, January 25th

More Like Him

Scripture References: Rom. 8:28-30, Eph. 4:20-24, 2 Cor. 3:18, Phil 2:13

Devotional

God knew what he was doing from the very beginning. He decided from the outset to shape the lives of those who love him along the same lines as the life of his Son….We see the original and intended shape of our lives there in him.” (Rom 8:29 MSG)

From the very beginning, God’s plan has been to make you like his Son, Jesus. This is your destiny and one of the greatest purposes of your life. ​

Let us make man in our image and after our likeness.”(Gen. 1:26)

When sin entered the earth, the image in us was damaged and distorted.  God sent Jesus on a mission to restore the full image that we had lost.  

God’s desire is for His children to bear His image and likeness.

You were also taught to become a new person created to be like God, with a life that truly has God’s approval and is holy.” (Eph. 4:24)

That means, God wants you to become godly - taking on His values, attitudes, and character.  Becoming more like Him is all about transforming your character, not your personality.

The Spirit is at work.
It is the Holy Spirit’s job to produce Christlike character in you.  As the scriptures say, “And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.” (2 Cor. 3:18 NLT). Willpower and good intentions are not enough.  It is the Holy Spirit who makes changes that God wants in our lives.  “For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.” (Phil 2:13 NLT)  Becoming more like Him is produced by inhabitation not imitation.  We allow Christ to live through us. 

Cooperate with the Holy Spirit’s work.
While effort has nothing to do with your salvation, it has everything to do with your spiritual growth.  Don’t just wait around for it to happen.  As Paul challenged us, “Throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.” (Eph 4:22-24)

• Choose to let go of old ways of acting.
• Let the Spirit change your thinking.
• Put on the character of Christ by developing new, godly habits.

If you will apply God’s Word, connect regularly with other believers, and learn to trust God in difficult circumstances, you will become more like Jesus.  John said, “…He has not yet shown us what we will be like when Christ appears. But we do know that we will be like him, for we will see him as he really is.” (1 John 3:2).  God is far more interested in what you are than in what you do, so allow Him to make you like Himself.  This is our greatest privilege, our immediate responsibility, and our ultimate destiny.  

Prayer

Lord, I see that Your desire is that I become more like Jesus.
I choose to become more godly in my values, attitudes, and character.
Holy Spirit, do your work in me.
Make the changes that God desires in me.
I will allow you to abide strongly in my heart where change takes place.
I will let go of old ways.
I will allow you to renew my mind and thinking.
I will purposely put on the new habits.
Like a butterfly that changes from ugly to beautiful, make me more like Jesus.​