Christlikeness
Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. Romans 9:11-15
In this time of “dog eat dog” mentality, people will do anything just to be successful even if it means that others will be harmed in the process. People engaging in such attitude will justify their character and actions based on the god that they created in their minds. They have created a carefree god and it nullifies the God presented in the Scriptures. The God of the Bible calls on every believer to conform in His image and not Him to conform to man’s image (see Romans 12:1-2). The God of the Bible is selfless and that He came to serve and give His life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45). The God of the Bible is transforming His children so that they will reflect his image. “For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son” (Romans 8:29). From the text, after the Apostle Paul urged Christians to surrender themselves to God, he told them how that life of surrender should look like. The Bible clearly teaches that those who claim they are children of God should be Christlike. It matters that those who follow God will have the right understanding of who God is. He demonstrated a life of humility when He stooped down to wash the feet of the disciples (John 13). After He washed their feet, He commanded them to do the same (v. 14). “I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you” (v. 15). The Holy Spirit within the life of a believer will help them conform to the image of Christ. Conforming to His image is displayed when you find the joy of serving others in His name, forsaking evil, and pursuing loving others. When people meet you today, will they have a glimpse of the Lord and Savior you represent? Will they know that your actions and attitudes consistent with how God was revealed through Jesus Christ? In your struggles to live the life Christ called you to live by, yield to the Holy Spirit that resides within you for He is there to help you grow in your understanding of who God is. Always remember that God gave the Holy Spirit. As the Lord Jesus Christ told His disciples, He also wants you to trust the Holy Spirit for “He will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you” (John 14:26). The Holy Spirit has access to the divine nature of God and He is with you so your life becomes a witness of God’s working. “The Spirit of truth, He will come to you from the Father and will testify all about me” (John 15:26).
Blessings,