What would it be like to resemble God – Yes, eternal creator, sustainer of the cosmos and all that it holds? Could we mere humans even ponder such a notion?
The astonishing thing is we already do (by Holy Scripture’s account) share a profound likeness with the Almighty. While no mortal human has ever been or will ever be godlike in terms of things like self-existence, all-knowing, etc. . . Still, every human is in some precise way made in the image of God.
But further in, at a level even further beyond our ability to grasp, he has purposed that God’s redeemed (saved) ones embody the qualities of Jesus’ own character. To reflect the very nature and the virtues of his one and only Son Jesus. Yes, Christians are meant to, over time (through plenty of changings and growings) truthfully own the statement, “as he is so also are we in the world”*.
It is the interior world of Christ God calls us to emulate.
This, the Almighty assures, is within our grasp. With God’s nonstop assistance on our behalf to be sure. But within reach. Possible.
Christlikeness comes about through training in the ways of love and of joy and of peace. Qualities which he alone possesses in full and which he alone can reproduce in us as we humbly and courageously cooperate in the lofty enterprise.
So, what might be a first step?
The beginning move his direction always has and ever will be about vision. Onto what am I setting my gaze? To whom or to what am I continually directing my attention? We hear a saying, “You become like the thing you focus upon”.
Rick Warren penned four shocking words as the first sentence of his classic work, The Purpose Driven Life – “It’s not about you”, (ice water to the ego).
In order to set my attention more and more in the direction of Jesus so that I come to flourish in his qualities of love and joy and peace, I will find it necessary to shift much of my attention away from – yes – me.
Does the phrase “a work in progress” spring to mind?
Probably.
©2022 Jerry Lout * 1 John 4:17
Great thoughts as we ponder how to set aside self and enter the ‘interior world of Christ.’
Thank you, Rebecca. An unceasing ‘assignment, right.
Here I see so many social media posts from our young adults that are focused purposefully and entirely on the self.
• “Never WASTE your TIME where you are not VALUED. You have to MOVE without looking BACK.”
• “Walk away from any relationship where you are not receiving as much as you give.”
I often respond (hopefully gently) that it is not always about them. I typically give a few examples (Mandela, MLK, even Jesus) of people who heroically stood strong – even if they stood alone in the face of disrespect, being devalued, hatred, and even death. This typically elicits a very positive response: “Oh! I love that perspective!” “Yes! I need to focus on others as well.”
With just a little prodding, the popular message of “I, me, mine” can crumble or, at least, be seen as only one perspective – and not the healthiest one.
Thank you, Chip. Great examples, of perspective diminished and perspective (helpfully) broadened.