Today’s topic is a consideration of what type of person each one of us wants to be. How do we get T-H-E-R-E from where we are now? The Lord Jesus is committed to each and every one of His children. If we cooperate with Him, we will never be put to shame.
Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets. (Mt 7:12 NKJV) – This is the golden rule: Do unto others what you want them to do to you. If this rule guides your thoughts and actions, the results will be pleasing. Allow this to motivate you to extend mercy and forgiveness to others.
For “‘In him we live and move and have our being’; as even some of your own poets have said, “‘For we are indeed his offspring.’” (Acts 17:28 ESV) – Remember, we are made in the image of God; we are His children. We live and do everything in Christ. God bestows His unconditional love and abundant blessings upon His children. Remember WHOSE you are! It will do wonders for your self-image, and for how you conduct yourself.
And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. (Rom 5:3-5 NKJV) – God’s love has been poured out upon each one of us. All of life’s circumstances are designed to improve our character and to conform us to the image of Christ. (See Romans 8:29) Allow your circumstances to soften your hard edges, and to nurture a merciful and loving quality within you.
Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you? (1 Cor 3:16 ESV) – Each one of us is truly God’s temple, and His Spirit dwells within each one of us. Glory to God! Be aware of God’s presence constantly, and allow the knowledge that He is with you to transform all of your decisions and actions. It will bless you and cause you to bless others.
. . . but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— (Eph 4:15 NKJV) – God wants us to grow up (mature) into the image of Christ. One way of doing that is to walk in love and to do everything with a loving heart and attitude.
Grow up and BE the person you truly want to be. How do you want your spouse, your children, and your friends to remember you? Once you’ve come to a decision on that, take some time to strategize how to aim your life and your behavior in that direction. Allow the Scriptures and the Lord to guide you. God is committed to transforming each one of us, and will give us the grace that we need. Oh joy!
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