Becoming Christ-Like
Have you ever had one of those pensive moments where you simply ask yourself, ” Am I becoming more like Christ?” It does not seem like I am growing in my relationship with the Lord as I should. Do you feel stagnant in the process? In James 1:22 we read of the formula for personal growth, or rather what prohibits it; hearing the Word, but not doing what it requires! Growing in Christ involves far more than just attending church, tithing and listening to a sermon. In fact, many believers do these things with consistent vigor, yet remain stagnant in their walk. There are two elements necessary for us to become more like Jesus and we must be INTENTIONAL about each of them: instruction and involvement.
The first of these, learning truth, is vital to a healthy walk with God. Our Savior proved the importance of instruction by devoting much of His time on earth to it. The apostle Paul is another example, as he wrote letters to educate Christians about godliness.
So…how can we gain knowledge and understanding? Are you ready for a “deep” response? Read the Word of God. Read it consistently and as scripture admonishes…as newborn babes crave milk for the sustaining of their very lives. We are to desire His Word so that we might grow. Pray that your spiritual thirst will become insatiable.
Yet simply listening to the Truth does not mean that we’ve acquired or internalized it. I know lots of folks who love attending Bible studies and expanding what they know about the Word, yet their lives remain unchanged. I can be just as guilty of this truth as the next man. Just as this passage teaches, we have to apply the Word of God to our lives. In other words…the application of the Word requires action. James 2:26 states, “For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.”
Are we careless hearers, deceived into thinking that we’re growing? Or are we listening intently and then responding with action to the Truth? The answer to these questions is best discovered by a little pensive reflection…am I more like Christ in thought, word and deed today then I was last year, last month?
