Here is another excerpt from my new book, A Quest for the Ultimate. The retreat director, Jacob, is guiding the group through Scripture related to pursuing Christlikeness.
Kevin reads, “Matthew 7:26, ‘Everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand.’”
“What words is Jesus talking about?” Jacob asks.
“He just finished the Sermon on the Mount, which is a long sermon about how to live. So, Jesus expects his followers to practice those teachings.”
“Exactly. Kevin, now read John 14:15.”
“If you love me, keep my commands.” This says pretty much the same thing,” Kevin observes.
“What do these two verses have to do with Christformation?” Jacob probes.
After a moment of silence Kevin slowly concludes, “Well, I guess Jesus’ commandments describe how he lives, so if we follow his commandments we will be like him.”
“Perfect. We know what Christlikeness looks like because Jesus gave us teachings that describe it. His commandments are a gift that guide us to wholeness,” Jacob says softly and emphatically. Who remembers the Great Commission Jesus gave to the church?”
Melissa quickly responds, “My old church used to quote this all the time. It is Matthew 28:20,
Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.
“Notice,” Jacob continues, “that churches are supposed to make disciples, which involves baptizing them and teaching them to obey Jesus’ commandments. So, how does this relate to Christlikeness?”
“A disciple is supposed to become like the master, so churches are supposed to make disciples who are like Christ through following his commands,” Melissa answers.
“Exactly. Pursuing Christlikeness is the chief mission of congregations, and it is the mission of our congregation, as you have heard me say many times. In other words, the top priority of congregations is to do Christformation. Let’s see what the Apostle Paul says about this.
“Sarah, would you read Galatians 4:19 for us?”
Sarah reads, “‘My little children, for whom I am again in the anguish of childbirth until Christ is formed in you!’ Paul was really trying to do Christformation for believers.”
“Right. Paul uses this powerful metaphor of childbirth,” Jacob says. “What is he trying to communicate with this childbirth metaphor about becoming like Christ?”
“That it’s painful,” Sarah says quietly. “That it takes time. And that something good is born.”
“And that it’s natural,” Gabriella adds. “Childbirth is intense, but it’s what our bodies are designed for. Maybe becoming like Christ is what our souls are designed for?”
How much is your congregation pursuing Christlikeness? How much are you consciously pursuing Christlikeness?
Check it out! I think it will help your walk. Discover the core biblical truths that anchor your journey to overcoming barriers and moving on to maturity. You will explore priorities, motives and a hope that is more compelling than just the phrase “going to heaven.”
