Being Like Jesus

What does that really mean? Isn’t Jesus perfect? That doesn’t sound like me. We read in Ephesians 4, “You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” I understand that there is a lot of “old self” stuff that pulls us down, but when we are told to put it off, how is that possible? I can’t just flip a switch and become someone else. Then we read 1 John 2, “This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.” I don’t know if that helps or gets even more terrifying. Jesus didn’t have a home, once He started ministry. He had to deal with impossible people, cast out demons, heal the sick, deal with the teachers of the law, etc. Those are tough shoes to fill. Wait, Jesus even went to the cross and died for sinners and those that mocked Him. Can I do that? Well, Romans 12 helps, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God — this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” This call to be like Christ or imitators of Christ is not all on us. First, we must completely surrender, offering our whole being to God. Second, we need to walk away from worldly thinking and things, with God’s help. Third, we must allow God to transform us... from our old way of life to be who He has called us to be. This is more than just going to church. It is a transformation of our lives, faith, and actions. I read an interesting quote, “If you really wanna be like Jesus: Be the one that stays when everyone else walks away. Be the one who forgives even when it’s undeserved. Be the one to show grace when everyone else is casting stones. Be the one to show love even when they betray you. Because that’s who Jesus was.” If that scares you it should. If it doesn’t scare you, either you have no spiritual sense or you have already allowed Jesus to be Lord of your life. Only God transforms us. Lord, I don’t want to be a Christian by name only. I want to serve you with all my heart, soul, strength, and mind. Amen