Just like Jesus

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‘…let us lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus… who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross…’ Hebrews 12:1-2 (NRSV)

It is only in the fellowship of the cross that we can become conformed to the image of Jesus. The mind of Christ is a cross-bearing mind. A mind that is little preached or practiced today. We often believe that as long as we abstain from obvious sins, we are free to enjoy all the worldly pleasures and self-exalting activities on offer.

There seems to be little understanding of the truth that the world and the flesh that loves the pleasures of life, are ‘enmity against God’ (Romans 8:7). Because of this, many believers pray to be conformed to the image of Christ, but never change. Instead, we must disengage wholeheartedly with the world and die daily to self.

Like Jesus, we must choose each day to walk in His footsteps, bearing our own cross, with our old nature condemned and crucified. Only then will we be conformed to the image of Jesus (Romans 8:29).

As God’s chosen children, let’s wake up to this message, looking to the crucified Jesus while we run this lifelong race. Let’s patiently persevere being aware that it is for the joy of pleasing and glorifying God that we endure. Just like Jesus our highest happiness and joy will be found in placing the needs of others before our own, so that God will be known, exalted and praised.

by Jennifer Woodley
​​South-East Queensland, Australia - info@grace-line.net