TO BE LIKE JESUS

I Was Just Thinking About – TO BE LIKE JESUS.

The Apostle Paul shared his heart when he wrote to the Philippian believers about his personal priority (Philippians 3:10-11), “I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.” He did have a great sense of his human qualifications in the competitive secular world. From that point of view, he also shared his credentials (Philippians 3:4-6), “If anyone else thinks he has grounds for confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin; a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the Law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, persecuting the church; as to righteousness under the Law, faultless.”

These two statements by Paul demonstrate the tension that exists when one’s pursuit in life is for personal achievement or recognition. Whether they deserve it or not, some people receive recognition and acclaim due to either their persona or touted resume. They tend to eagerly bask in the acceptance and acclaim of their peers. Meanwhile, others who have considerable merit and ability fail to receive recognition or acceptance as being one who qualifies for some measure of human honor and respect. 

A recent devotional asks a series of questions and submits answers about one’s focus and personal sense of self-worth. They include: “(1) Are you trying to discover your self-worth? You have it in Him—He died for you! (2) Are you plagued by failure and guilt? He does what no one else will or can do for you—He forgives and forgets, kills the fattened calf as heaven rejoices (Luke 15:22-24), and clothes you with the best robes of His righteousness. (3) Are you searching for significance? Search no more—you are His child. There is no greater significance than that. (4) Are you trying to figure out your life and wondering if there is any purpose for you on this earth? The mystery is unraveled in Him as He leads you to live for His glory and to reflect the reality of His character.”

There is a simple, but basic Worship Chorus of personal commitment that should be remembered by each servant of the Lord:

To be like Jesus, to be like Jesus; 

All I ask - to be like Him.

All through life's journey, 

From earth to glory, 

All I ask - to be like Him. 

Paul has a simple resolve regarding the best choice one can make when confronting this tension. It is stated in Philippians 3:7-9, “But whatever was an asset to me, I count as loss for the sake of Christ. More than that, I count all things as loss compared to the surpassing excellence of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God on the basis of faith.” If you aim high, you will find true worth, value and acceptance in Jesus Christ.

Prayerfully – consider these things with me.