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"So, why when you went out into the world last time, didn't nobody say you look like me [sic]?" These are the words the Lord said to someone, and she shared them in a testimony. Hearing that question hit me at my core and forced me to ask myself - I am God's daughter, but do I look like Him?
Before I could even think, the Lord pointed me to scripture. He reminded me of when Moses spent so much time in God's presence that his face glowed (Exodus 34:30). The people were so uncomfortable with his consecration that they ran from him, and he eventually had to wear a veil. Moses's experience begs the question - Are we spending enough time in the presence of God whereby His glory rubs off on us? Are we consistently reflecting our God when we go about our business each day?
The Bible instructs us in Romans 8:29 - For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. We also have Colossians 1:15 as a guide. It states, The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.
These scriptures highlight that God planned to make us more like His Son, Jesus. And in so doing, His objective was to make us more like Him. After all, those who are the sons of God are to look like Him and not something else, right? He sent Jesus to walk this earth as a man who knew no sin, so we could emulate Him and grow to be less like the world but more like our Father.
Many believers struggle with this at some point or another. Frankly, it is easier to reflect the world than He who created it, and several don't want Him to change them. Yet, there is hope when we spend time with the Lord by studying the word, fasting, and praying. Also, when we worship with praise and thanksgiving, plus submit to the leading of His Holy Spirit. As we increase in these characteristics, we receive His more, enabling us to be true disciples of Jesus and children of God in all circumstances.
This means being argumentative and petty is not our calling. Children of God are led by His Spirit, who will not lead a believer to deceive others, gossip, grumble, fornicate, be wasteful, or do other things that agree with satan instead of the Lord. That means being angry, hypercritical, hypocritical, unforgiving, and unrepentant for sin will keep us from looking like God and His Son. These are all things we must be conscious of not carrying with us in our walk.
We are instead to be compassionate, displaying the love of God to others. We are to be patient, prayerful, and those who intercede for others with petitions. We are to stand on the side of justice and be the light of God shining in the darkness, even when others think it's crazy to stand up for what is godly. Jesus called those who believe in Him the "salt of the world." We are therefore to be salty, holding back the decay and destruction from wherever God planted us.
We have to let the Lord achieve His purpose in us so we increasingly resemble Him with every passing day. Yes, it isn't easy, but it is possible. This is why believers must desire to receive their deposit of His Spirit so they can be led to become more godly and less ungodly. It is only through the Holy Spirit that we have any chance at being holy and righteous, for Jesus said in Matthew 5:48 - Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. The Lord will surely help us as we seek to look more like Him, IJMN, Amen.
To watch the testimony that led to this message, please find Cydny Michelle's video here.
As you await fellowship at Noon EST, consider reading the Altar Call below and the following previous P&P messages:
