“Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.” Genesis 1:26 ESV
“God knew what he was doing from the very beginning. He decided from the outset to shape the lives of those who love him along the same lines as the life of his Son. The Son stands first in the line of humanity he restored. We see the original and intended shape of our lives there in him.” Romans 8:29 MSG
“Take on an entirely new way of life—a God-fashioned life, a life renewed from the inside and working itself into your conduct as God accurately reproduces his character in you.” Ephesians 4.24 MSG
“Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” Philippians 2.12-13 ESV
Day 22 of 40: Being created in the image and likeness of God is a big deal – it places humanity in a position of privilege and is the intrinsic source of our dignity. As Warren points out – that’s why murder and abortion are offences against God.
We are like God in that we are spiritual, intellectual, relational, and morally conscious beings. But we are NOT God… not even close. So what’s the point of this chapter – Becoming like Christ?
God is concerned not so much with my comfort as with my character. Character development is at the heart of God’s plan and purpose for my life… and Jesus’ character is what God wants to produce in me. In a word – Christlikeness is God’s goal for my life. But when I think about it, my progress has come in fits and spurts… definitely not in a straight line.
My progress has been sidelined for a variety of reasons – laziness, tyranny of the urgent, indifference, preoccupation with job, health, politics – other stuff. But I have had times when I’ve tried to pay attention to what God wants to do inside with me… rather than outside through me. And right now is one of those times.
Warren cites four descriptions of Christlikeness – the kind of character God wants to produce in me –
- The Beatitudes… Matthew 5.1-2
- The Fruit of the Spirit… Galatians 5.22-23
- Paul’s Love Chapter… 1 Corinthians 13
- Peter’s Effective Living… 2 Peter 1.5-8
Even the most cursory reading of these scriptures makes it clear that the pursuit of Christlikeness is never-ending. The important word here is pursuit – that’s where I can get into trouble. I can’t produce Christ’s character in me… the more I try, the more frustrated I become, and the more I see myself as the miserable failure that I am – unable to live up to God’s high expectations of me. I’ve been through that a few times… and that’s not a good place to be. Grace has been my life line.
On the other hand, God doesn’t want me to shut down, quit trying and throw my hands up – “Oh God, what’s the use, I’ll never make it anyway?” Somewhere between doing everything and doing nothing is the “sweet spot” where I do my part and God does His. That’s where the Holy Spirit, the Bible, Christian friends, circumstances and patience come in. All of these contribute to shaping my character.
It’s a long journey – made much more bearable if I remember how far I’ve come, instead of how far I have to go.
The Peanut Gallery 