This world is full of decisions. Full of what-if, would-be questions, adventures, and journeys. Life is like a map with hundreds of roads to choose from, all tangled in a mess of confusion. The truth is there are so many opportunities and experiences-to-be-had in this great big world that it’s hard to see what we’re aiming at.
But I have a simple suggestion: in this messy, fast-paced world…just aim to be a little more like Jesus every day.
Aim to be a Little More Like Jesus Because You Are His
It doesn’t matter where you go or what you do, if you don’t have Jesus you’re going to be chasing after the wind and roaming in all kinds of pointless directions. As Ecclesiastes points out: all is vanity. But with Jesus there is value and purpose.
I want to be really clear here: I don’t have any desire for you to hate yourself. You are created by a perfect, loving God. And He cares for you just the way you are. But we, you and I, are stained by sin. This ugly, tangle of a mess that wraps it’s claws around us and drags us farther and farther away from God. And I don’t want that for you, for me, for anyone—and neither does God.
What I do hope and pray, however, is that, as a follower of Christ, you will come to hate what you are without Him. Not hating you…just hating the sin that turns you into a monster. Because it does. Humanity is a monster without God, ever think of that? It’s not about doing good works or being some great, godly person. Nope. It’s simply about being a little more like Jesus…because we are His. And He’s worth being like.
In 2 Corinthians 5:17 we read, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” I strongly encourage you to read the rest of the passage, but this beautiful truth remains, that we are new in Christ. However, living for Christ is a daily challenge and surrender. So, take it one step at a time, and pray for grace to be just a little more like Jesus every day.
Aim to be a Little More Like Jesus So Others Will See Him
Matthew 5:14-15 says, “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Again, I want to be explicitly clear: Christianity is not a works-based religion. If it were, we would all be fated to hopelessness. Truly. Because we are so uncapable of anything worthy of such glory and perfection as we will witness in heaven, let alone the beautiful relationship our God wants with us.
However, as His children we have been given a mission. You will hear this mission expounded upon and explained so many times in so many ways during your lifetime. People will say it is a mission to go, a mission to stay, a mission to preach, a mission to give. The list goes on and on and on. But let me humbly suggest that it is simply, a mission to live. A mission to live our lives for Christ. However He sees fit. In whatever ways He wants. To not aim for perfection or flawlessness, but to pray for grace and strength to be a little more like Him…not for your own glory, but for the glory of His name.
Don’t live life for you. I’m at fault for that too, friend. We all are. We are prone to live life for “me.” But it’s not worth it.
Live it for Him. And by doing so…care for those around you. Pray that you would have a deep and burning passion to love and serve like Jesus.
Aim to be a little more like Jesus, not for you…but for Him.
Aim to be a Little More Like Jesus…Even When You Fall Down
We’re gonna make mistakes, friend. We always have and we always will. As much as we may hate to admit it, we’re only human. And that’s okay.
Like I’ve said repeatedly in this post: it’s not about what you can do or should do. It’s simply about being His and truly desiring to be more like Him. Not for you, but for Him. Not because it will save you or make you a good person—because it won’t—but because you are His.
And when you fall down, don’t give up. It’s okay. Just stand up and try again. Don’t aim for perfection, you’ll never reach it. Just aim to be a little more…just a little more like Jesus every day. Because it all boils down to a hard, but simple truth: life is so very messy without Him.
Wonderful post, Rue. <3 Thank you, friend!!
Thank you, Pearl! đź’›
Thank you, Rue! You echo my heartbeat.
“My soul, wait in silence for Your God.” The wonder of His all-encompassing Presence. From that flows His heart expression. “Eileen, Invite that hurting neighbor lady to a tea party, just the two of you. Send that card to so and so. Surrender those words to Me rather than speak them in a moment of anger. Listen to a troubled soul.” When I lean in and listen to Him, He pours into me so that I can pour Him out to specific others.
Sending a hug to you, Rue!
Eyy, how beautiful and poetic! It is truly wonderful that He helps us grow little by little, day by day đź’›
Once again, so so beautiful and just what my heart needs to hear! Thank you Rue!! <3
Aw, I’m so very glad, friend đź’›
Rue, this is the reminder I needed today and every day. I feel like the person in James 1 who looks in the mirror and immediately walks away forgetting what he looks like.
One verse that God used to encourage me recently is 2 Corinthians 12:9: “And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
Thank you for glorifying God and being an encouragement to me and others!
Oh indeed! We are all just like the man in James 1, eyy?
I love that verse so very much – it is a beautiful truth and reminder the God is the beauty in our broken. đź’› Thank you for the encouragement and for sharing your thoughts!
I love this post, Rue! It speaks so much about our everyday life and how we need to “aim to be a little more like Jesus” even if it’s sometimes hard.