Formed In The Image Of Christ

I shared a thought yesterday at the New Year Brunch that I think will really be the theme for the year ahead of us. We are all being formed into the image of something, and there are three formations that, as believers, we must face and only one that is true progress in our spirituality. The human condition is one of being shaped constantly. We are not static, always the same, instead we are constantly be shaped and formed by the circumstances, people and experiences we encounter. The simple truth is that we can't always control everything, but we can't choose to move toward certain ends. We are responsible for our choice.

• The Image Of Chaos

The image of chaos is the life of sin. 1 Peter 1:14 tells us, "Do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance." A life embracing sin is a life of chaos. Sin gives way to sin and we become entangled to the degree that we cannot find release from it and its consequences. Don't let evil desires and bondage to sin shape you into a life of chaos.

• The Image Of Comfort

The image of comfort is a life that is complacent, having attained just enough to release us from much of the chaos, but not the fulfilled life God intends for us. Maybe the most challenging for Severn River Church is a comfort level that arises from those who can settle into life following the ways of Christ without the commitment of following Christ. Let me explain.

When we come to Christ there are a number of changes that take place. In fact, the scripture says that old things pass away and all things become new. In that process our outlook changes through the work of the Holy Spirit and our expanding understanding of Grace. But at some point the actions of following Christ give way to habits that are the way of Christ, but not necessarily submitting to the direction of Christ. A person may as a new believer learn the habit of giving, indeed cheerful giving, and that may be uncomfortable at first. I've known many new believers that had difficulty parting with money, because they were afraid they wouldn't have enough. But over time that habit which is the way of Christ may become nothing more than a comfortable routine. A person can become comfortable giving 10% of their income away and living on 90%. And though that's the way of Christ, it may not be obedience because we've just become confident in ourselves rather than dependent on Christ. Romans 12:1-2 says, "Therefore, I urge you, brothers in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God -- this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind."

That's the danger of being formed in the image of comfort; we are not comfortable in Christ, we're are comfortable in ourselves. The image of comfort will rob us of the potential that we could have in serving God, and will ultimately lead us back to the image of chaos given enough time.

• The Image Of Christ

There is a purpose to the things that God allows in our lives both success and failure. They are for the shaping of our lives into the image of Christ. Romans 8:28-29 says, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren."

The image of Christ is God's plan for our lives using us to further His kingdom among many others through our lives. The image of Christ is not chaotic. It may be unpredictable, but there is always a purpose and more importantly always freedom following Christ. The image of Christ is not comfortable either. There is no complacency in following Christ. It is a journey following His direction resting in Him, getting away in prayer so that we can meet the needs of multitudes, heal the sick, give sight to the blind. Discipleship in the image of Christ is a life of following the son of man who has no place to lay his head. This is not comfortable, but it is worthwhile. It is closeness and obedience. It is pleasing to God and in light of all that He has done for us it is the least we can give back to Him.

This year I'm seeking to be formed into the image of Christ.

--Ben