Be more like Jesus

So many years back, sitting in the college cafeteria, me and some of my girlfriends were checking out a secular magazine and talking about the latest fashions, celebrity drama and such, when one of my sweet friends exclaimed, "Did you know you look like her? (She was referring to one of the beautiful famous celebrities), You have got her smile and eyes." That's what she said and yes in the past I have got compliments too about this same person. Me as usual, brush it off, with a smile and thank you. I never felt I looked like her, maybe, maybe not, it depends on how people see, but this did not bother me or anything. I did not mind the compliment which people and friends commented about me. 

Each of us loves to receive a compliment. This is true, even if we say we don't care, somewhere in us love the fact, when someone comments on us, of how we look like one of those beautiful famous people. Right? :) 

And Why is this? It's because they are popular and in demand. Then out of nowhere, when we feel we have looks like them, gets us all pumped up, and the feeling of, " yea, I am beautiful, I look like that particular celebrity and I am way better than the others," kind of mindset sets in. 

There is nothing wrong: in feeling beautiful. You should. We are created fearfully and wonderfully in God's image. 

What is wrong is: when we start idolizing these empty praises and idolize those people or things and forcing ourselves to dress like them, act like them, behave like them, buy like them, talk like them and express like them.  

To idolize someone and some thing are damaging in the long run. It fills us with unnecessary arrogance, self-importance, carelessly disregarding of those around us and being prideful. 

That my dear sweet friend is not a good sign for your sweet soul. 

The reason I am sharing this with you is because of today's bible verse which is a word that is telling us we will be like Jesus when He returns. 

But, how is that even possible, when we are having a hard time to imitate him, while, here on earth?

How many of us are excited when we hear someone say, "Oh boy, you are such a saint." "Are you such a Jesus freak?" "what you don't even say a white lie, come on, are you kidding me?" 

Most likely, it may not ring much of an excitement. why? because it is not very popular to be a Jesus freak. It means more taunts and tease by those who don't care. :) 

The the Bible tell us to be more like Christ because on that day, when He comes, He will receive those who accepted Him and have become more like Him imitating His Characteristics.  

When we decide to be more like Jesus the ride won't be easy. This means we will have many bumpy roads and deep valleys. This also means you have to sacrifice many things of the earthly desires. 

Are you prepared for such a journey? 

If you are and takes the first step of Faith, God will give you grace to take the next step of Faith. He will guide you through and through. All you gotta do is trust Him. Do all things out of obedience and love for the Lord and He will direct your path. Be in His will. He will pour His favor over you. His compassion will loom upon you like a huge blanket. When Jesus is by your side you need not fear. He will open ways that you never knew. 

Just Trust Him. Have Faith and be Hopeful in His will and plans over your life. 

Let's Pray, shall we? 

Dear Lord, 

Thank you for your hope. Help me to be more like you and when you return I can't wait to be like you. Bless me to do your will. Make me what I ought to be. Fill me with your grace, love, joy and peace. Purify me with your blood Jesus and help me to lean onto you at all times. Bless me to pray without ceasing and continue to help me to indulge more in your presence so that I can be more like the way you want me to be. Thank you Lord. I love you. In Jesus name, Amen. 

Bible Verse of the day: 

Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure. - 1 John 3:2-3

I pray this message Blesses you. Be more like Jesus. This world and its passions are short lived. Be wise and continue to be in the word of God. God loves you and you mean much to Him. Enjoy. Stay blessed and be encouraged today. 

Questions to Ponder:

Truly, ask yourself, are you excited to be an imitator of Christ? and are producing the fruit of the spirit?(Galatians5:22-23 - Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-control) - Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Devotional by: Team I Love Psalms