…Put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.
Colossians 3:10
When a new baby is born, people will comment about how the baby looks like dad or mom. Some ancient relative who knew the baby’s grandmother, will say, “Oh, she looks just like Mary Louise did as a baby.” Genetic similarities are not only common, but they also place people in a position to strive to reflect the better character traits of their progenitors. The older I am, the more I see my mother in the mirror—and resembling her is not a bad thing. I hope some of her humor, good character, and faith is reflected beyond the genetic resemblance.
What about how the Christian can resemble our Lord Jesus Christ? The Bible is filled with passages telling the reader how we can reflect the image of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. While we claim His name and await the revelation of His literal face, how can we reflect His character to the world about us? How can others recognize us as children of the Heavenly Father? Take a look at how the Bible encourages God’s children to embody the character of Christ through love, humility, and service:
- Follow Christ’s example:
For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. 1 Peter 2: 21
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- We look like Jesus as we walk in His steps through suffering may mean others laughing at you because they see you as “religious,” or how we face physical suffering and hardships without complaining.
- Follow the call to imitate God’s love as Jesus did:
Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Ephesians 5: 1-2
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- We look like Jesus as we imitate God’s love in giving of our time and resources for others, even the unlovely or unlovable.
- Adopt the mindset of Jesus in day by day relationships and decisions:
Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Philippians 2: 5-8
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- We look like Jesus when we are obedient to God’s calling to take the humble path and live to do good to others in all circumstances.
- Serve others as Jesus served them when he walked among people:
For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. John 13: 15
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- We look like Jesus when we are willing to get our hands dirty with the soil of others.
- Embark on a journey to grow into what God means for your life :
For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. Romans 8: 29
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- We look like Jesus when we live out what we believe rather than claiming the creed.
- Trade the old you for a new Christlike likeness:
…Put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. Colossians 3: 10
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- We look like Jesus when we study the Bible and live it in our day to day lives.
- Commit your life to follow Christ:
Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. Matthew 16: 24
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- We look like Jesus when we are willing to die for what we claim to believe.
No, the person you see in the mirror is you and no one else. Your image doesn’t care if your hair sticks out in all directions, you have a missing tooth, your eyes are puffy, and the wrinkles seemingly doubled overnight. I doubt if others love you less for the imperfections. The “you” people see is not what you see in the mirror. Allow others to see beneath your exterior as a person with whom they can relate. The phrase in the Lord’s prayer, “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven,” isn’t simply a phrase to express how we want God’s will done for our benefit. The phrase, following our prayer for “Thy Kingdom Come,” encourages us, while we await the return of the King, to demonstrate the image of Christ in our own lives. Why? The phrase encourages us to show the dark world about us the Light of the World, our Lord Jesus as reflected in our lives.
Who do you resemble?
Challenge:
Think of yourself as an image of who you are on the inside: What would others see if they could see the person you know you are inside? If you have placed your trust in Jesus, you will desire to look more like Him. If you have never trusted Him, turn away from trying to rely on yourself to do the right thing, and run to him for a “make over.”
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I know I still look like me too much and not so much like You. Help me to learn Your character traits and make them a part of my character, to the Glory of God.
In Your name. Amen.
Promise:
And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1: 6
All Scripture taken from the English Standard Version (ESV)
[i] AI generated
[ii] https://pim-prod20190821211516565500000001.s3.amazonaws.com/17e3cd18-a2b3-4b38-9da6-5c7da81c5227/3d559e83effb426_md.png
