Am I becoming more like Jesus?
I have a lot of recipe books. A LOT!! I read them cover to cover then they go on my shelf. I have my go-to favourites and a few that I like for fancy things. There are some recipe books that I read and then never use. Do you know why? Because they don’t have pictures!! If there isn’t a picture of what the recipe is supposed to look like finished then how do I know what I’m aiming for?
I know that’s a silly example and I have made many meals and cakes where I’ve just gone with whatever the outcome is and decided that it’s OK. I’m not sure I want to do that with my discipleship though. ‘Am I becoming more like Jesus?’ is one of the questions for reflection that I often shy away from. Partly because I know I will always fall short, but partly because I can sometimes feel like I don’t even know what I’m aiming for.
Jesus didn’t leave us without clues though, and he didn’t leave us without a helper. We can delve into scripture to see who Jesus was, is and continues to be. We have access to the Holy Spirit to help us, walk alongside us, advocate for us and equip us. All we have to do is ask and be ready. We can walk with other disciples and see Jesus in them. Ultimately when it comes down to it, Jesus will always surprise us. We cannot comprehend him fully this side of eternity. Our imitation of him will always have room to grow as we grow more intimate with him.
I guess I have a choice. Do I want to step out and try, with the help of other disciples and the Holy Spirit? Or do I want to leave my discipleship on the shelf with all the unused recipe books because I’m too afraid to fail?
Rachel is a Missioner based in Chesterfield, UK. As well as reading recipe books like novels, she coordinates prayer across the Movement and co-directs Inspire GB.
We look at this Son and see the God who cannot be seen.
We look at this Son and see God’s original purpose in everything created.
For everything, absolutely everything, above and below, visible and invisible,
rank after rank after rank of angels
– everything got started in him and finds its purpose in him.
Colossians 1:15-16 MSG
Praise the Lord
David Crowder beautifully captures our inability to fully comprehend Jesus this side of eternity in a simple song which ultimately brings us back to praising God:
But now I just don’t buy it anymore
© David Crowder, 2016
No, I’ve tried and I’ve tried to know everything for sure
But I find I know less as I come to know You more
You’re not who I thought You were
Praise the Lord
Praise the Lord
