“Since we have been united with Him in His death, we will also be raised to life as He was. We know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin.” (Romans 6:5-6 NLT)
There seems to be a lot of confusion in the church today as to what a person’s life who is born of the Spirit should look like. The short answer is it should look like Jesus.
The more time we spend with someone the more of their characteristics and mannerisms we pick up. Husbands and wives who have been married a while can complete one another’s sentences, pick up and often mimic their mannerisms, quips, or common phrases. Unfortunately, that can also work when we spend too much time with people who don’t know the Lord as well.
It’s a common understanding that if you want to know what your life will be like in 5-10 years, look at your five closest friends. We become like those with whom we spend the most time. It stands to reason that if we want to be like Jesus, we need to spend time with Him.
As important as it is to learn new things as a believer in Jesus, we must not allow learning “about” Jesus to displace living “with” Him moment by moment. He IS our life! He is the air we breathe, the energy with which we function. Apart from Him we are nothing and can do nothing. Yes, of course, study to show yourself approved (2 Timothy 2:15), but let that study be at the feet of the Master.
Ronnie Floyd said: “The Christian life is not about being right — it is about being Christ-like.” How can we ever expect to be like Him if we don’t spend extended, quality time with Him? But how? Let me offer some practical ways to open yourself to His life and love by making prayer your “first” language.
- Spend time early in your day speaking with the Lord about the needs of your life. Lift to Him loved ones, friends, co-workers, classmates, neighbors, those who are lost (especially in your spheres of influence). Also pray for your brothers and sisters in Christ who serve and suffer for His Name’s sake across our world.
- Allow the Lord to be on your mind whatever else you may be doing. Train yourself to breath “sentence prayers” in whatever your circumstance. For example, even as I write these words I’m asking the Lord to guide my heart, mind, and spirit, focusing my thoughts on Him, enabling me to listen carefully to what He wants said.
- Take a “spiritual retreat.” This can be something you do with others or alone but go somewhere close by (usually within an hour or so of where you live). It can be a local park or a nearby lake or forest area. Ideally, someplace in nature that will remind you of God’s creativity, His beauty and majesty. Take your Bible, a pen and paper, and dress so you can stay outside comfortably.
- Have a plan in mind. For example, make a list of 25-30 of God’s promises. Click on this link Promises in the Bible, or do your own search. Another idea is to take a passage of Scripture that you’d like to better understand, and devote specific time researching, praying, studying, and recording what the Lord is teaching you.
The bottom line is, keep Jesus in the forefront of your mind in order that whatever you’re doing you realize that He’s personally with you, loving you, cherishing His time with you, and growing you into His likeness.
Food for thought.
Blessings, Ed 😊
Walking With Jesus 