Good Morning Friends,
One of the most important questions a believer can ask is simple but life‑altering.It is not merely to admire Jesus, not merely believe in Him, but actually become like Him, in heart, in habits, in holiness, in hope. Today’s Scriptures remind us that becoming like Jesus is not a project of self‑improvement. It is the supernatural work of God in us, shaping us into the image of His Son. Matt Chandler often says that the Christian life is not about “trying harder” but about “training wisely” by placing ourselves where God has promised to meet us and transform us.
Jesus does not ask us to manufacture Christlikeness. He invites us to abide. He calls us to walk by the Spirit. He promises that as we behold Him, we are changed from one degree of glory to another. So today, Scripture answers the question on our mind. By staying close to Him, by surrendering to His Spirit, and by trusting His work in us is the answer. Still we ask again for you and me and all those who read this: How do I become like Jesus?
Scripture Summary
John 15:4–5
Jesus teaches that we bear fruit only by abiding in Him. Apart from Him, we can do nothing; in Him, we become what we were made to be.
Galatians 5:16–25
Paul contrasts the works of the flesh with the fruit of the Spirit. Christlikeness is not achieved by willpower but produced by the Spirit as we walk with Him.
2 Corinthians 3:18
We are transformed into Christ’s image as we behold His glory. Transformation is God’s work, not ours — but it happens as we fix our eyes on Jesus.
Message: Becoming like Jesus begins with abiding, not achieving. Jesus’ invitation in John 15 is not “Do more,” but “Stay with Me.” Christlikeness grows in the soil of communion — prayer, Scripture, worship, obedience. The more we behold Him, the more His character takes root in us.
Paul reminds us that the Spirit produces fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self‑control. These are not personality traits; they are the life of Jesus growing in us. Our role is not to force fruit but to walk by the Spirit, resisting the flesh and yielding to God’s shaping hand.
And then there is the slow, steady miracle of transformation. Paul says we are changed “from one degree of glory to another.” Christlikeness is not instant. It is a lifelong journey of small obediences, quiet repentance, and daily returning to Jesus. Matt Chandler often reminds us that God is not frustrated with our slowness — He is committed to our growth. The Spirit is patient, persistent, and powerful.
And So, how do we become like Jesus? We abide. We behold. We surrender. We walk. We trust. And God does the rest.
Pray Father, that You make us a people who abide in Jesus. Pray You teach us to stay close, to remain, to rest in Your love. Pray the Holy Spirit, produce Your fruit in us, not by our strength, but by Your power. Pray You shape our hearts, renew our minds, and transform our desires. Pray You help us walk by the Spirit and put to death the works of the flesh. Pray Lord Jesus, that You let us behold Your glory until Your character becomes our own. Pray You make us more like You, patient, gentle, courageous, holy, and full of love. Pray that when we grow weary, You remind us that You are faithful to finish what You began. Amen.
Blessings,
John Lawson
