Look-Alike
Today’s Verse:
For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. ~Romans 8:29
Have you ever looked at an adult son standing next to his father and made the statement, “You look just like him”? What we mean by this statement is that the adult child bears the same resemblance to the parent. The word "conformed" in our devotion has that meaning: to look or behave just like Jesus. This morning, let us consider the importance of being just like Him!
There is the mandate in conformity.
Romans 8:29 says that God predestinated every Christian to be conformed to the image of His Son. God desires that we grow into the same likeness of the Lord Jesus in our character, behavior, and spirit. The goal of the Christian life is to become like Him in every way. The Bible uses the word “perfect” to describe the utmost excellence of our spiritual maturity. It has the idea of being transformed into the likeness of the Lord Jesus.
There is the means in conformity.
God uses unchanging tools to conform us. These tools include being daily in the Word and praying without ceasing. God uses uncomfortable testings to conform us. Testings are divine pressures that mold and shape us for His glory. God takes His time to conform us. The conforming into the image of Christ is a work of a lifetime. God does not rush His work in us. He takes whatever necessary time to make the conformity to be successful.
There are the marks of conformity.
When we are being conformed to His image, there are definite marks. Our spirit is just like His. Our speech is just like His. Our service is just like His. We have a love for people that is extraordinary. We do not get easily agitated with people. We have a spirit of meekness that sustains us when we are attacked. We do not get easily offended. We have extra strength for serving the Lord. We stand fast in our beliefs and commitment. Our resistance to temptation is strong. Being conformed to His image shows up in our life.
There is the mistake in conformity.
In Romans 12:2, Paul tells us to not be conformed to this world. We must be careful not to allow our life to be molded into the image of the world. We are not to become like the world in our tastes, tendencies, or testimony. The world is at enmity with the Lord. Friendship with the world is enmity with God. Conforming to Christ distinguishes us from the world. People who are like Jesus are unselfish and dead to self.
What are you becoming like in your life? Are you conforming to the image of Christ? We become what we spend the most time with. Make it your life goal and desire to be conformed to the image of Christ. Be someone who looks just like Him!
Have a look-alike God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Jeremiah 23-25