Purpose #3: You Were Created to Become Like Christ

Point to Ponder: I was created to become like Christ.

Verse to Remember: “As the Spirit of the Lord works within us, we become more and more like him and reflect his glory even more.” — 2 Corinthians 3:18b (NLT)

Question to Consider: In what area of my life do I need to ask for the Spirit’s power to be like Christ today?

[Read More] thoughts on Day 22 of Rick Warren‘s Purpose-Driven Life* especially about Imago Christi.

I must admit, I got really excited when we came to this section; I love community, but discipleship is my passion. Partly because it is my “gifting”, in the sense that discipling is what I naturally do as part of the Body of Christ (and do well, though not perfectly). More than that, I increasingly see everything through the lens of Imago Christi — the Image of Christ. In other words, everything I do — work, family, ministry, personal devotion — is just another facet of manifesting the image of Christ in my self, and fathering it in the world around me.

I am pleased (for both our sakes 🙂 to see that Rick’s vision of discipleship aligns with mine:

A. We must cooperate with the Holy Spirit’s work

1. Choose to let go of our ways of acting

2. Change the way we think

3. “Put on” the character of Christ by developing new, godly habits

B. God uses his Word, circumstances, and people to mold us

1. God’s Word provides the truth we need to grow

2. God’s people provide the support we need to grow

3. Circumstances provide the environment we need to practice Christ-likeness

C. Becoming like Christ is a long, slow process of growth

“Much confusion in the Christian life comes from ignoring the simple truth that God is far more interested in building your character than he is in anything else.”

Prayer: God, my mind is totally sold on the idea of becoming like You — as not just my highest calling, but also my only hope of happiness on earth and heaven hereafter. Yet, my heart and flesh quail at giving up [the illusion of] control, and the possibility — nay, certainty — of character-building trials you may allow me to undergo. Father, help me to know you better — through worship, praise, and thanksgiving; as well as through ministry, service, and sacrifice. Partly that I may escape some trials by learning those lessons earlier, but more importantly that I may glorify you in the midst of trial. I ask this in Jesus name, Amen.