Maturing in Faith: Growing Into the Image of Christ

 “For those God foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.”

Romans 8:29

Dear Friends,

Have you ever marveled at how time changes everything – even us?  We see this truth played out every day. Circumstances and relationships rise and fall as the tides of time shift the sands of our lives. Age-related changes become apparent in our physical bodies and often our temperaments follow suit. But these changes often bring growth. In fact, as Christians, our character should improve as we become more like the image of Christ. 

The Inevitable Changes of Time

Recently, time-created changes became quite apparent to me when our family attended our local high school-hosted alumni basketball game. Bart, a 1985 graduate of the school, announced the benefit game and recognized a line-up of men from different graduating classes sitting on the sidelines waiting for their chance to play once again. 

This fun event evoked deep emotions as I was transported into the past. I recognized many of the names I heard immediately, but was surprised that I actually had trouble identifying some of the players I used to know. While they still had attributes of their high school selves, most had changed a lot. Some looked more like their fathers than the way I remembered them. 

The once young teens had matured into grown men. Some had gained a little weight, and others had gray in their hair. Thin, athletic boys who used to race back and forth over the court during the course of a game were now less limber and needed more breaks to catch their breath.

Despite inevitable physical changes, I know that those old-time players have grown and matured in many ways since high school. Most have profitable careers and many are now married, raising families of their own. Hopefully, over time, fiery youthful temperaments have softened and stalwart character has developed. 

Growing Into the Image of Christ: A Lifelong Journey

Watching the game reminded me not just of the passage of time but of how God uses time to shape us spiritually. Much like the physical changes in these players, our spiritual lives also undergo transformation over time and we should grow more like the image of Christ.

When we receive Christ as our Savior, we become renewed creatures; the old things pass away and new things come (2 Cor. 5:17). For the rest of our lives, God works in us, progressively transforming us into the image of His Son (Phil. 2:13).

These changes should be evident to those around us. As God renews our mind our deepest hunger becomes righteousness. Our once self-centered outlook now becomes characterized by humility, gentleness, patience, and loving tolerance for others. And little by little we begin to look more like our Father than we did before.

Not only does our inner character change but also our outward actions. Thieves stop stealing, liars tell the truth, and users of vulgar language become refined. Bitterness, anger, wrath, and slander give way to kindness and forgiveness. These are some of the indications of a changed life that become evident to all as the image of Christ is reflected in and through us. 

Evidence of God’s Work in Lives

As I think back over my life, I can trace God’s power and goodness in transforming me over the years. It has been a slow progress at times, mainly because I am not always a cooperative learner, but, nevertheless, God has been faithful. And He will be faithful to you as well. He is the One Who will keep you from stumbling so that you may one day stand in His presence blameless with great joy (Jude 24).   

Time truly does change people. But for God’s children this is a wonderful thing. Although our physical bodies will grow old, our inner life should blossom with spiritual growth and health as God conforms us to the image of Christ, His Son. 

As each day passes, may your life reflect God’s transformative power so that acquaintances wonder at the changes. May their final evaluation be that you look more and more like your Father than yourself.

Love,

Mama

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