To Be Like Him
Comparison. We do it all the time. If only I had more of this or if only I was a little more like that. It’s easy to slip into the “I’m lacking” mindset when we’re wishing we had what others have. Right out the gate, we need to call comparison and the lack it makes us feel what it is – a lie.
See, God’s work in us doesn’t end when we put our faith in Him – that’s when it starts. He is overjoyed that you’ve joined His family and put your faith in Him. We’re told that, “there is joy in the presence of God’s angels when even one sinner repents” (Luke 15:10). This is a glorious moment, but God’s after more.
Jesus prays to the Father about those who would believe in Him this way, “I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one – as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me” (John 17:21).
There’s an intention for the believer’s life. We’re meant to be a light to the world – to live in such a way that the world would see Jesus in us. We’re well acquainted with Romans 8:28, “that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.”
It’s the next verse that flies in the face of us wanting to compare ourselves to others. Paul continues by saying, “for God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son..” (Romans 8:29).
Friend, we live in a broken world, and we are bombarded every single day with all the things we “should” be doing according to culture. “If I could only be more like that.” God’s Word is clear in this – He did not make you to become the person you’re idolizing. God made you to become like Jesus. This is where we’re heading as believers.
I want to encourage you to take the pressure off. Paul once again exhorts us this way, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2).
The world does not think the same way God thinks. Practice catching yourself when you feel the temptation to compare yourself, for better or worse, to others. Remember that God made you to be like Him – not like anybody else.
