Certainly becoming like Jesus does not come naturally. By nature we are self-absorbed, self-serving, and self-consumed, eventually leading to our own self-destruction. To counter this shallow, destructive way of life we must make wise choices. As parents we try to teach our children about good choices. We teach our children right from wrong, to be kind, to share, and to choose their friends wisely. As adults we must also consider how we spend our time and what influences we allow to form our "world view". How we view our world can also be easily and strongly influenced by the people with whom we spend time. If we are fortunate enough to have had parents who provide a good role model, our lot is perhaps made easier. However even those of us with poor role models growing up, can change directions if we stop to evaluate what we have experienced versus what we would have wanted to experience. Will we "become what we hate" or choose to do a 180 degree turn and be a change agent, perhaps changing the course of our family history for generations to come?
This past year my father passed away and as I wrote his eulogy, I reflected on his character. Descriptors that came to me were "always thinking of others," "loved deeply and wasn't afraid to show it", "put love into action", "not afraid of a challenge", and "kind eyes." Those were some of the influences that helped to form my world view. Even more important, though, is the influence of my heavenly father. Jesus says, "Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father."(John 14:9). The words that described my earthly father could also describe my Heavenly Father, but I have so much more to learn and room to grow.
If I spend time with Jesus, I can become more and more like my Heavenly Father because
"I (Jesus) am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6). All this leads back to the message I saw in the graphic above, "BE WITH ME" so I can Become Like Jesus.
If you click below, it will take you to a song that speaks from the heart of a child, "More Like Jesus".
https://youtu.bewww.youtube.com/watch?v=1ja-c_G8FoM/1ja-c_G8FoM