What can I do to become more like Christ?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

To become more like Christ, we must first desire to become more like Him. Studying the life of Christ through the gospels and applying His teachings to our lives are essential for transformation. As we pray, study, and apply God’s Word and allow His Spirit to transform us, we will become more like Him. Imitating godly individuals and learning from their examples also helps us grow, as does living in community and encouraging one another in our spiritual journeys. Serving others with love demonstrates our desire to live like Christ. Additionally, seeking God, enduring suffering for righteousness, and sharing in Christ’s suffering all contribute to becoming more like Him. All Christians should desire to become more like Christ, so we can live in what God has for us, and so we can better offer His hope to others.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• Even though Christ did not exist in the flesh in the Old Testament, the Psalmist recognized the importance of God’s Word when he said, “I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you” (Psalm 119:11).

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• Jesus told His followers, "If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it" (John 14:14). Jesus answers our prayers to be transformed into His likeness.
• Paul wrote, "Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ" (1 Corinthians 11:1). We are called to grow in Christlikeness.
• Concerning suffering, Philippians 3:10–11 states, "That I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead." Suffering often brings transformation into Christlikeness, as it challenges our thinking, desires, and what we trust in.
• Hebrews 10:24–25 shares, "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
• As James 1:22 commands, "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves." Our faith will be revealed through our actions.
• James 4:8 commands, "Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you." As we draw near to God, we become more like Him through the transformative power of His Spirit.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

We can become more like Christ as we abide in Him and desire to have Him transform us. These practices are helpful in our transformation from our old selves, living in the flesh, to our new selves, living in the Spirit: First, we ask God to help transform us into His likeness, trusting that He will honor this sincere request. Second, by studying God’s Word, we gain a deeper understanding of His character and actions, which guide us in our own lives. Third, we put these teachings into practice, serving others with love and compassion, as Christ did. Fourth, we learn by observing the lives of godly individuals, allowing their examples to inspire and challenge us to live more like Christ. Finally, we support one another in the faith, offering encouragement and accountability, which strengthens our shared pursuit of Christlikeness. The Bible offers other encouragement for becoming more like Christ as well. As we seek God, we grow closer to Him and more like Christ. In addition, we become more like Jesus when we suffer for doing what is right. Sharing in Christ's suffering causes us to be like Him. All Christians should desire to become more like Christ. These principles can help us to develop a closer walk with Jesus that causes us to be more like Him and better offer His hope to others.

UNDERSTAND

• We must desire to become more like Christ.
• We can become more like Christ as we study and apply God’s Word.
• As we become more like Christ, we can better reflect Him to the world.

REFLECT

• What desire do you have to become more like Christ and for what reasons?
• In what specific areas of your life is God calling you to apply His character and Christlikeness?
• How can you follow godly individuals around you and learn from their examples to grow in Christlikeness?

ENGAGE

• How does learning about Christ connect with becoming like Him?
• How can we encourage one another to put the teachings of Christ into action in our daily lives?
• How have you experienced transformation in your life through suffering?