Become Like Jesus
When's the last time you looked in the mirror and thought to yourself, "There's a masterpiece!" My guess is probably never because most of us don't see ourselves as a masterpiece. We see all the things in our life that are holding us back from being who God called us to be. Things like bad habits, poor attitudes, fear, broken relationships, and so many more.
Here's the thing... As a follower of Jesus, when God looks at you, He sees a masterpiece! The Apostle Paul says as much when he wrote...
For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. [Ephesians 2:10]
When Michelangelo was asked how he created such breathtaking sculptures, he famously said, "The sculpture is already complete within the marble block, before I start my work. It is already there, I just have to chisel away the superfluous material."
This perfectly illustrates what God is doing with each of us. Everything that looks like Jesus is already there within you. God just needs to chip away everything that doesn't look like Him.
Here's what we must remember... Following Jesus means more than changing what you do; it means becoming who He created you to be.
God isn't interested in just making you a better version of yourself. He's not after behavior modification. He's after transformation. He wants to make you more like Jesus.
In 1 John 2:6, we read this challenging statement:... "Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did."
At first glance, this feels impossible. And you're right – it is impossible on our own. But that's exactly why abiding in Jesus is so crucial. Staying connected to Jesus isn't just about having a nice relationship with Him; it's about being transformed by Him so that you reflect His image.
HOW DO WE BECOME LIKE JESUS?
I believe there are three essential elements that work together in this transformation process:
1. The Spirit's Power - First and foremost, we must recognize it is the Spirit that makes us more like Jesus. No transformation happens without the Holy Spirit. This isn't about trying harder; it's about surrendering deeper. He is the master Sculptor and He's the one who chisels away everything in our life that doesn't look like Jesus.
2. Our Partnership - There is a part we play through spiritual practices that position us to receive God's transforming work. As Eugene Peterson wisely put it, "We don't become more like Jesus by trying really hard, but by training wisely." This includes Bible intake, prayer, fasting, generosity, and taking Sabbath. When we participate in these daily practices, we are cooperating with the Spirit's work. But we've got to step remain in the Sculptor's studio for Him to do His work.
3. The Community's Role - God never intended for us to become like Jesus alone. You can't see your own blind spots. You need others to tell you the truth in love, encourage you when you're struggling, model what following Jesus looks like, and pray for you when you're weak.
WHAT DOES BECOMING LIKE JESUS LOOK LIKE?
Jesus said we would recognize His disciples by their fruit. What fruit? "Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control" [Galatians 5:22-23]
These aren't things you manufacture through sheer will power. They grow naturally as you stay connected to Jesus.
But being like Jesus isn't just about personal holiness; it's about impact. When we become like Jesus...
- We see people differently (reflected in how we respond to that difficult email)
- We love more authentically (shown in how we treat people with different views)
- We serve more willingly (evident in how we use our time)
- We give more generously (revealed in how we spend our money)
A CHALLENGE FOR TODAY
It's one thing to talk about becoming like Jesus; it's another to take steps in that direction. Here's my challenge to you...
1. Identify one area where God needs to chisel – maybe a habit holding you back, an attitude that needs changing, a relationship needing healing, or a fear requiring surrender.
2. Choose one spiritual practice to begin training in daily – commit to Bible reading, prayer, or another discipline everyday. Take a small step towards abiding in Jesus.
3. Take one step in community – share with your small group, join one if you're not in one, or find one person to pray with regularly about your transformation.
Remember, you are God's masterpiece. Everything that looks like Jesus is already there within you. Will you allow the Master Sculptor to chip away everything that doesn't look like Him?
What area of your life do you sense God wanting to transform? I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
Keep looking up,
Pastor Alan Hannah
Pastor Alan is the lead pastor of Allegheny Center Alliance Church. To find out more about ACAC, go here.
