Everyone admires people who set themselves apart from mediocrity and devote themselves to excellence. Athletes devote themselves to rigorous training to be a “stand out” in their sport. We love stand out athletes, stand out performers/actors, stand out doctors, stand out inventors/scientists…you get the picture.
As a follower of Christ, God has called us to be set apart…to be holy because He is holy (1 Peter 1:16). That does means we have to be perfect. It merely means He wants us to reflect His character…godly character. We reflect His character when we live a life of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22). Our children and grandchildren imitate us and reveal the character we have helped develop in them. In the same way, we imitate God and His character He has developed in us through our relationship with Him.
How do we learn to reflect God’s character? By meditating on His Word and putting His instructions into practice. God does make us more like Christ day by day. It does not happen overnight. It is a life-long process. Daily application of God’s Word has a purifying effect on our hearts and minds. I know from personal experience, reading God’s word has transformed my heart attitude. When I am reading God’s truth, my sin deception comes to light and it motivates change in my life toward a direction of purity. Living a godly life brings glory to God and should also draw others to Him.
My prayer for you and myself is that others will see the life of Jesus developed in us.
