Character - developing Christ-likeness – 9 January 2008

Christians are called to live more like Jesus, for this to happen we need to develop greater Christ-likeness. Who we are constantly communicates and affects our relationship with others. And in the long-term it is normally character issues that trip us up. That's why Paul speaks of 'watching our life and doctrine closely'.

Ultimately God is not so interested in what we do as in how we do it. So it is comforting that we develop Christ-like character not by striving to live a perfect life but by allowing the Holy Spirit to take control of our lives – in other words we don’t do it, he does!

“But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Here there is no conflict with the law.” Gal 5:22-23 (NLT)

What better description is there of the character of Jesus? It is not surprising that the Holy Spirit living in us will lead us to reflect the character of Jesus, but this comes from allowing him to control our lives – through being in his presence, or as John’s Gospel describes it “abiding in Christ”.

To be the person God wants you to be today is not achieved by your striving to become a better or cleverer person, but by simply allowing him to take control!

Some of us are control freaks, most all of us are fearful of surrendering control of our lives, but that is exactly what we need to do to become more like Christ. So sit back and enjoy the ride!