What do you want them to be?

[Richard]

What Do You Want Them to Be?, by Phil Ware


If I wanted to know what was important to you in most areas of your
life, I could look at where you spent your money and your time. These
two investigations would yield a treasure trove of information about
your priorities, values, and purpose.

If I wanted to know what was most important to you as a parent, a
grandparent, aunt, uncle, big brother, big sister, or mentor, all I
would really need to know was what you wanted your child, grandchild,
niece or nephew, younger brother or sister, or your trainee to become
when he or she grew up!

So what do you want that child that is so significant to you to be when
he or she grows up? Answer it honestly! What is your "gut reaction" to
the question?

The apostle Paul was very clear about what he wanted from those he led
to Christ: he wanted them to become like Christ. This was his goal and
he strived with every ounce of energy to reach that goal. (Colossians
1:28-29) He found himself in the pains of childbirth until this goal
was achieved. (Galatians 4:19) He emphasized that this was the work of
the Holy Spirit and not just his own personal agenda in their lives. (2
Corinthians 3:18) He even suggested that as we join ourselves with
other Christians in ministry, we are built up into the presence of
Christ in our world. (Ephesians 4:13-16)

So how does Jesus become formed in us? How does that happen?

First, we need to have mature mentors or partners who will pray for us
to become like Christ, keep challenging us to live more like Christ,
and are willing to be exhausted in the process of leading us to Christ
as they rely on His power and grace to help them! (Colossians 1:29;
Galatians 4:19) In other words, we won't run away from the challenge to
be like Jesus, even if it requires very challenging things of us!

Second, we must be willing to focus our hearts on Jesus. We should
learn all we can about Him and begin to try to live like he did while
seeking to reflect his character and compassion in our own lives. (2
Corinthians 3:18) This means that we read the Gospels (Matthew, Mark,
Luke, and John) over and over again to know what Jesus did, why He did
it, and commit to becoming like him. (You also might want to check out
our free daily devotional about Jesus called WJD!)

Third, we must seek to minister with other believers as Christ's
physical presence in our world. (Ephesians 4:13-16) As we gather around
the Lord's Table, we are reminded and re-consecrated as the bodily
presence of Jesus in the world. (2 Corinthians 10:14-17) As we leave
the comfort of our church buildings, we will depart with a commitment
to be that presence in our communities, our families, and our work
places by seeking to make Christ's presence known in loving and
tangible ways.

So what you do you want your kids to be when they grow up?

---------