“Daddy, when I grow up, I want to be just like you.” How many times in the history of families has such a statement been made by a child to his/her parent? Innumerable. And if not openly expressed, it has been thought and taken to heart. Being a worthy goal, it brings honor to the parent, but is also a sobering realization that Mom or Dad must provide a noble example for their child.
As Christians, we, too, are trying to be like Someone else - Christ Jesus. In fact, the Spirit of God is working to change us into His image (see our texts). This is a great honor that God wants us to be like His Son. It is a goal toward which we should be moving and part of our daily prayer should be: “Lord, I want to be more like you.”
I want to be more compassionate like Jesus when He saw the crowds like sheep without a shepherd, and He fed them and healed them all.
I want to be stronger in times of temptation like Jesus when He faced down the devil in the wilderness causing him to leave.
I want to be more diligent in the service to my God like Jesus when He told His parents that He must be about His Father’s business.
I want to be more courageous in doing what’s right like Jesus when He overturned the moneychangers’ tables in the temple.
I want to be a better teacher like Jesus when He taught Nicodemus that night about the new birth and heavenly things.
I want to have more wisdom like Jesus when He confounded the accusers of the woman taken in adultery and caused them to leave her and walk away.
I want to be more devoted to my Lord like Jesus was devoted to His heavenly Father and only did what He asked Him to do.
I want to be bolder with the word of God like Jesus who proclaimed the good news and spoke the truth to all those around Him whether they believed in Him or not.
I want to have more love for my friends and fellow man like Jesus who gave His life for the salvation of all people.
I want to be... I have a long way to go. What about you?
><> Jeff
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