Living in His image

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And having chosen them, he called them to come to him. And having called them, he gave them right standing with himself. And having given them right standing, he gave them his glory. Romans 8:28-30

It is God who calls us to live the life He planned out for us. He has known you even before you were born and you have a part in His grand design. This is what God told prophet Jeremiah. “I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born I set you apart” (Jeremiah 1:5). God is the one that pursues us so that we will realize His wonderful plan for our lives. Form the text, it was God’s plan that you will conform to His image. You were meant to come to a relationship with Him. All the trials you have been through, the circumstances you are in right now, and the ones that are about to come are part of God’s plan to mold you to a life that will reflect Him. When the Lord Jesus Christ was here on earth, He provided a model of what intimate relationship with the Father looks like. “You and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me” (John 17:21). He helps you grow in your spiritual life and He uses trials in your life so you could be more like Christ. This is the process He wants you to go through and requires your commitment and surrender to Him. What a privilege to know that in our sinfulness, He provided us new life. We could never live blamelessly for we are sinners. What a blessing to know that He forgives us and cleanse us from our shortcomings. He removed the guilt and declared us righteous not because of our own doing but through Him who’s Spirit works within us. In our gratefulness to the life He gave though undeserving, our desire is to serve Him. He wants you to know that because His life is in you, you are called upon to live in His glory. “For God wanted them to know that the riches and glory of Christ are for you Gentiles, too. And this is the secret: Christ lives in you. This gives you assurance of sharing his glory” (Colossians 1:27). While waiting for that glorious day He prepares for you because of your relationship with Him, yield in His working in your life as He molds you so you could reflect His image. “And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him” (Philippians 2:12-13).

Blessings,