“Attached to Jesus, you are a unique masterpiece.” (Ephesians 2:10) As such, God chose you to bear the family likeness of His Son… (Romans 8:29) So, the genuine YOU is Jesus-like!
I have bad news! Because we crave acceptance, we permit parents, peers, pressures and the public to define us. Consequently, Father’s original design is hidden beneath layers (like an onion) of false fabrication. In the process of conforming to outside pressure we lose our true identity.
Don’t panic! The Creator possesses the original blueprint of YOU: “Define yourself radically as one beloved by God. This is the true self. Every other identity is illusion” (Brennan Manning). As to His Son the Father speaks these words to you: This is the first step of self-discovery.
Second, become acquainted with THE Measure. Space is measured in inches, feet yards and miles. Grow in … understanding your Master and Savior, Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 3:1) The authentic YOU is Jesus-like! He’s the measure of your growth in becoming Jesus-like!
“It is when I turn to Christ, when I give myself up to His Personality, that I first begin to have a real personality of my own”. (Mere Christianity, p 58.) As you employ meditation and prayer The Mentor is on 24/7 duty to guide you in discovering the Jesus-like YOU!
Finally, slowly begin to examine yourself. God is patient. He wants you to have an opportunity to change the way you think and act. (2 Peter 3:9) What thoughts, actions and words are Jesus-like? Label these: “the real me”! Anything that doesn’t measure up to Jesus is a distorted fabrication. If you need help, ask Father: Investigate my life. See for yourself whether I’ve done anything unlike Jesus. Then guide me on the road to the fulfilled life. (Psalm 139:23-24)
George Washington, the first president of the United States, was serious about “measuring up”! He prayed: “Daily frame me more and more into the likeness of Thy Son Jesus Christ.” (George Washington, the Christian pp. 24-35)
God chose us to bear the family likeness of His Son.
Romans 8:29
