I was reading an article this morning about an actor who played a character for 14 years, and thanks to the leading star, she matured into the person she portrayed. She was proud of her identity.
This got me thinking…
We are a daily connection to all the pieces of our past that molded us into who we are today.
Neighbors, friends, family members, co-workers, care providers, teachers, first responders… It’s an almost never-ending list. In one way or another, every connection of our life has molded and shaped us. Truth?
But if you were to narrow the list down, who would you say you are molded mainly by? In other words, who do you reflect the most?
Sometimes, I sound like my dad, think like my mom, react like a favored pastor, and dig into a lesson like a favorite teacher. Sometimes, I’m like my bride in action, reaction, and thought; since we have 50+ years of marriage, that’s only natural. Yet, there are also times I’m like none of the above.
But if I could name one person, then who would it be?
There is a traditional hymn that does not show an author or musical arrangement by name. It’s in the public domain and must be over 100 years old.
To be like Jesus. To be like Jesus. On earth, I long to be like Him.
All through life’s journey, From Earth to Glory, I only ask to be like Him.
Other stanzas include “To love… To pray… To serve…” like Jesus.
But even with this comforting set of lyrics, there is more to being like Jesus than just singing it. We must “become.”
Jesus taught some hard lessons that were not well received by the crowd. They are called disciples, and some followed Him no longer.
From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more. Then Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you also want to go away?” But Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. Also we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
(John 6:66-69 NKJV)
They were disciples not just because it was the latest fad or gimmick or because His star was rising fast, and they wanted to be attached to His coattails. No… They knew who he was!
Perhaps Paul had the most significant New Testament ministry, but he did focus our attention on being more like Jesus and considering life from His perspective.
Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus,
(Philippians 2:5 NKJV)
And do not be conformed to this world,
but be transformed by the renewing of your mind,
that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
(Romans 12:2 NKJV)
In my mind and Spirit, I think that I give you this thought to suggest that the most influential person in my life has been Christ.
Upon a life, I did not live,
upon a death, I did not die;
another’s life, another’s death,
I stake my whole eternity.
~Horatius Bonar
(I’ve modernized it because the man I learned it from quoted it like this: By a life I did not live, and a death I did not die, I rest my whole eternity.)
So. I give you Jesus as your daily connection. I would hope you will see an image of Him within me. All mistakes belong to me, but there is no better example of how to live the best we can here and then to meet Him in Glory there.
Thank you for reading.
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It helps me get my book written!
(Below, you may find other topics similar to this one. Please read on!)