Becoming Him

There's a little bit of sompin' sompin' that's been rolling around in my mind for a few days now. It's something that maybe we all know, but might not be something that we operate out of.


I was praying about some things concerning my weaknesses (again) and I believe the Lord told me something that might, no, will encourage all of us.

Yesterday I mentioned it...becoming. Becoming like Christ isn't something that we just do. The word in and of itself has action to it, progression, time. Many times I have looked at my life and wished that areas were more like Christ. Then somewhere in my lapse of memory I figured I was the one to get me to that spot. You know, "BE" like Christ. A Nike sort of aggression to just magically turn myself into a mini-Jesus.

Sadly, those Nike's wore out quickly and I found myself sprawled out on the court with scuffed knees and elbows, still looking like myself.

Anyone?

What I think we must all understand and realize is that Jesus in not only asking us to become like Him, but He is the one making it possible. Each area that is weak and unattractive and so un-Christ like is not a place that ignores until we get it right.

There is no picture He points to and says, "Be like that on your own." However, I have tried.

Tried to be nicer.
Tried to be more organized.
Tried to be happier.
Tried to have more mercy.
Tried to control my quick fuse.
Tried to not be envious.

Try
Try
Try

But let's look at Ephesians for a minute and see if we can't start this book off with letting ourselves off the hook.

Now, hold the horses for a minute. There is real value in being attentive to our own weaknesses. It's important that we take real steps to train our minds and bodies to go after the things of Christ. But, the real transformation come only through surrender to the work of the Spirit.

I want us all to know that God is in the transformation. He's in the middle of all our weaknesses helping us look at them at all angles and gently reminding us these are areas. They do not define who we are.

Take a look-see at WHO you are (even with your weaknesses)

You are chosen - 1:4
Adopted - 1:5
Holy and blameless - 1:4
Redeemed - 1:7
Forgiven - 1:7
Lavished upon - 1:8
Made known mysteries - 1:9
Included - 1:13
Marked with the Holy Spirit - 1:13

That's just the FIRST chapter!

If we let our weaknesses define who we are rather than let Christ say who we are, we will bow to them rather than Him. We will bow to their power, their influence, their habitual interference.

But, shift your mind to the things of God and your view of yourself will change. You are all this in Christ... wiiiiith some weaknesses. He is in the business of making all things new. You are a new creation in Him. You just have some residue of an old self clinging on.

Take time to read Ephesians Chapter 1 a few times tonight between Olympic events and ingest the richness of Who you are in Him!