Updated 11:59 pm.EST, Sun November 22, 2009

Life|Wed, Oct. 15 2008 03:42 PM EDT

Becoming Like Jesus

By Charles Stanley|Christian Post Contributor

2 Peter 3:18

God has a plan for every life, and salvation is just the first step. He wants His adopted children to develop a close “family resemblance.” The Holy Spirit is in charge of transforming us into the likeness of Jesus.

The moment that we trust Christ as our personal Savior, we are, in a spiritual sense, newborn babies: we need to be fed continuously for growth in godliness. Our primary source of food is God’s Word. As we take it in, our old way of thinking—which aims to gratify self above all else—will be replaced by a God-centered mindset. The Spirit uses scriptural truth to replace self-absorbed thoughts and actions with an appreciation for who we are in Christ and a desire to glorify God through obedience.

Meditating on the Word is essential for spiritual growth. We must also be willing to assume responsibility for our mistakes and bring them before the Lord. First John 1:9 teaches us that if we confess our sins, He will forgive us and help us resume right living. He will also show us which of our habits and practices are displeasing to Him. His desire is that we turn away from all such behavior and grow into mature Christians. Our Father expects us to make the necessary changes in attitude, behavior, and lifestyle to conform to Christ’s image.

Renewing our minds, admitting mistakes, and making changes are requirements for spiritual growth. Are you being nourished by God’s Word every day? What changes have you made this year to be more like Jesus?

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  • mike »
    Thu Oct 16, 2008 1:05 pm Agree: 0   Disagree: 0

    'Renewing our minds, admitting mistakes, and making changes are requirements for spiritual growth'

    admitting mistakes? that is the one that christians / pastors are not practicing. as long as the other person is admitting their mistakes, christians think they are perfect & sinless. that is why they are'blessed' bec. they practicing hypocrisy not 'admitting mistakes'. they do what the world does - lying, denying, manipulating others in the name of obedience & humility.

    Renewing our minds or being brainwashed with this endless list of do's & dont's in the name of obedience, humility & christ'likeness. what happened to the people in Jonestown & Waco texas. their minds were 'renewed' to the point of death bec. if they do not obey, they are arrogant, they lack faith or not christ-like. christians are experts in quoting the bible but in the end they would look after no. 1 - them'selves'.

    making changes for spiritual growth or getting approval from you pastor / other christians? everything you do is a sin, then the same pastors would not 'make the same changes' but do their own 'thing'.

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