Becoming like Christ

Wednesday 24 May
READ: II Cor.3:16-18
MORE LESSON: John 1:12

One major purpose for the creation of man and the new birth is to make us to be more like Christ. This cannot be done in one's own strength. Today's reading, especially II Cor. 3:18, is very clear about this, But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. The Holy Spirit is the one who gives us the power to make the changes that God wants to make in our lives. This working of the Holy Spirit is not in loud noisy ways but in quiet daily walk; He daily nudges us with the Word of God and urges us to do the right thing in every situation. The more we yield to His promptings and obey His leading, the more Christ like we become. The only thing is that the Holy Spirit will not force but prompt, we must learn to cooperate with His working by simple daily obedience. In the spiritual, efforts are required to grow and become like Christ; that required effort is the prompt obedience to the Holy Spirit.
Other personal responsibilities to become like Christ include:
1) Let go of the old ways of life such as lying, fighting, exaggerating and the likes.
2) Change the way you think, get a transformed mind by renewing your mind daily with the Word of God. The more renewed you are, the more Christ like you become.
3) Put on the character of Christ by cultivating new, godly habits. One's character is the sum of one's habits.
In becoming like Christ, God uses not just His Spirit and His Word to mould us; He also uses people and circumstances. He uses people to provide the support of training and care that we need to grow. He uses the circumstances to provide the environment that helps us practise Christ likeness.
Becoming like Christ is ensuring that whatever one does, it must be done in a Christ like manner and as this is done, godly character is achieved and the Lord is fully glorified.

Prayer/Action
* Father, help me to fulfil the ultimate purpose of becoming Christ like and thereby promoting godliness on earth, in the mighty name of Jesus.
* Teach me Lord to be sensitive to Your Spirit's training that I may by obedience accomplish all that You want me to in this world, in Jesus’ name.

TODAY'S PROPHETIC PRAYER
In the name of Jesus, this day, this week, this month, this year, the sun shall not smite me by day nor the moon by night.