The Point of It All

When is the last time you compared yourself to the One who died for you? I know that seems like a bold question but it’s what should be the standard question. These days we’re so far from the purposes of God that a question like this immediately makes us laugh or roll our eyes but it’s not silly, it’s scripture. (Study Romans 8:29 “He also predestined [us] to be conformed to the image of His son[.]”) The point of all of this, our lives, is to continuously transform into the likeness of Jesus Christ.

I think this idea scares a lot of us because we immediately think God wants to take away the things that bring us our own personal sense of uniqueness, joy, or comfort in exchange for a “dull” life. Let’s pause for a moment and deal with this lie. This isn’t about outward things; what matters is your inward heart posture. What is your heart surrendered to? What kind of beliefs lead your life? Is your character comparable to the character of Christ? We all sin and fall short of the glory of God, but it is through our faith in Jesus and His Spirit that He works in us transforming each of us as much as we are willing to surrender to Him. God wants to change us from the inside out and we miss this when we hold so tightly to ourselves that we’re unwilling to truly let Him in.

Is dying to yourself something you think about? When is the last time you noticed God changing your ways? When is the last time you presented yourself to Him and genuinely asked Him to search your heart and lead you in the way everlasting? (Study Psalms 139:23). The world is in desperate need of more people who are willing to ask these questions. This is the work of the Christian. This is the continuous need for the fire of God.

We have to be people that make sure we’re following the right standard (Jesus). We have to prioritize being right before God rather than being right by our own judgment. He is the only standard worth following. Don’t follow my lead, follow His. Don’t believe this because I’m saying it, study and spend time with Him. Don’t be so afraid to present yourself to Him. Our lives actually become brighter and more beautiful when we are surrendered to the work of the Holy Spirit within us.

“And so we are transfigured much like the Messiah, our lives gradually becoming brighter and more beautiful as God enters our lives and we become like him.” II Cor. 3:17-18, Message Translation.