It's a strange thing that in striving to become more like Jesus, I can focus more on me than Jesus. I dwell on how I am doing in becoming like Jesus; I become focused on my progress and evaluate me moment to moment. When I am focused on me, I can be critical of myself when I don't love the way Jesus did or serve with a happy heart or I can be prideful when I do.
I am reminded in Hebrews 12 that my focus is off. The focus is not how well I am living my life as a follower of Jesus, but on Jesus Himself. Jesus gave His disciples a clear directive, "Follow me and I will make you." In Jesus' culture, disciples were to follow their rabbi so closely that the dust from his sandals would get on them. My most important job is to stay focused on Jesus, allowing Him to make me. It seems that as soon as we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we say, "Thanks, I will work hard to meet the goal." We began the loop of "do more, try harder," forgetting that the same Jesus we invited into our lives is waiting to do the making of us too!
I am reminded again that He makes me as I give me over to Him. I remember that becoming more like Jesus is not about me doing, but all about what God has already done. My part is simple, but not easy -- focus and surrender. Again, I run to the only place I know for help. I run to Jesus. I find Him waiting and I hear His voice as He speaks again.
Come to me
I will make you
Abide in me
Come to me to have life
The Kingdom of God is within you
How about you? Are you caught in the trap of trying to become more like Jesus on your own? The same Jesus that welcomed you and me into the family of God is the same Jesus who stands ready and able to make us more like Him so we can lead as He led.
Written by Phyllis H. Hendry
