Ephesians 4:24, “Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy”

What comes to mind when you think about what it is to be “like God?” Is it the perfectly behaving, boring, judgmental, Christian character from some TV situation comedy?

Actually the stories of Jesus, who is our model of God as human, show that he was nothing like that stereotype. He was humble, controversial, and intelligent but primarily the distinguishing characteristic is his love; Love for all types of people, including the outcasts, lepers, and immoral in society of his time.

In contrast to the stereotype, the actual picture we should have in our minds of being “like God” is that of one who humbly loves all, especially those who seem most “un-lovable.” One who searches out those who need God’s love most.

1 John 4:16 says, “God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them.”

Dear Lord, Help us remember that the objective is not to make ourselves perfect for our own benefit, it is to be like you and share your love with those we can. When we do, we are becoming part of your love in the world. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

You may have heard this expression, “Attitude determines your altitude.” Though it is simple and trite, the message carries truth. Our attitude has a tremendous effect on our lives.

In Romans 14, Paul is teaching about what is important in the church, saying that it is not about following ceremonial laws but about our attitude and why we do what we do. In verses 17-18 he says, “For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. If you serve Christ with this attitude, you will please God, and others will approve of you, too.”

If we start with this attitude of Goodness, Peace, and Joy, open to the Holy Spirit’s work in us, we can’t help but be examples of God’s love.

Dear Lord, help us establish positive attitudes each day so that we may handle all that life gives us with Goodness Peace and Joy. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

I am sure there are some clothing styles and patterns that each of us are familiar enough to pick out on people; The Burberry plaid scarf, the Carhart work jacket, the Gucci shoes, the Canadian Goose coat, and probably many others.

Paul writes in Romans 13:14, “Clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ.”

How would we pick out someone wearing that style?

He writes in Romans 13:8, ”
Owe nothing to anyone—except for your obligation to love one another. If you love your neighbor, you will fulfill the requirements of God’s law.”

I would say then, that clothing ourselves with Jesus Christ would be recognized by the unmistakeable love shown to all those we encounter.

Dear Lord, help us wear your presence so it is recognized by others as the love we show those around us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

What is “the good life?” I suppose the details would be different for everyone, but I would argue that common to everyone’s definition would include being happy and content. I believe this is what God wants for us, and this is what he offers if we follow Him.

Even in difficult times and challenges, we can have peace when we put our trust in God.

Isaiah 26:3-4 says, “You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal Rock.”

It is usually when we decide to do things that are opposed to God’s direction that we get ourselves in trouble and we lose our peace and joy. The “bad life” usually is a result of us making poor decisions that we know were wrong.

When we really trust and follow God we can do as Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

We all have dreams and goals for the future, but God’s “good life” is available right here and now if we believe.

Dear Lord, thank you for all we have and all you have done for us. Nothing compares to the gift we have of eternal life with you. Help us find the peace and contentment that comes from following and trusting you. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

It is easy to wonder sometimes why God made salvation so seemingly complicated, sending his son to earth as a human, having him live so humbly and ultimately be killed. Wouldn’t be easier if God just showed himself to everyone and told everyone, “do what I say, or you are going to die and suffer in hell forever?”

We don’t know all the reasons God arranged things the way he did, but we know that we have the free will God gave us, and we can make our own decisions and act how we choose, right or wrong.

In Hebrews 2, Paul is explaining how Jesus was truly man when he was on earth, in verse 18 Paul writes, “Since he himself has gone through suffering and testing, he is able to help us when we are being tested.”

One reason that Jesus came and lived on earth as a “regular” human, is to show us that he experienced the temptation and testing that all humans do. When we pray for relief from our temptations and fears, release from problems, achievement of our desires, or protection of our loved ones, Jesus knows what we feel because he experienced the same thing when he was human. He can empathize with us.

Dear Lord, how beautiful are the intricacies of your plan. Having been like us, truly human, you know what it is like, and we can pray to you knowing you empathize with us. Help us keep this in mind to give us strength to endure our trials and temptations, and the knowledge that as human you endured more than we will be called to endure. As a result of you we can have Salvation. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.