To Encourage You

1 John 3:2 “Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him.”

Is there someone in your life that you look up to as a wonderful example? Is there anyone that you wish you were more like? Maybe it’s someone who is very intelligent or skilled in the same line of work that you do. Maybe it’s a person who is much stronger, or wealthier, or wiser, or more good-looking than you. Maybe it’s someone whose character you admire and you just wished you could handle difficult situations like they do. Well, most people would recognize, whether they are Christians or not, that Jesus is a wonderful example to which anyone to aspire. He is admired not just by Christians, but by Muslims, Hindus, and those with no religious affiliation at all. They recognize the wisdom of His words and the spotless character of His life. They point to Him as an example of great love and are quick to point out when so-called Christians aren’t acting like the One they claim to follow. But for those who truly know Him, He is infinitely wonderful beyond compare.

The believer longs to be more like Christ. As they look at themselves and compare themselves to the revelation of Christ in the holy Word of God, they are awe-struck and know full well that they always fall far short of His example. His character seems unattainable, though it is that very character that they strive to emulate if they truly love Him. They know He is glorious, all powerful, and perfect in every way. Indeed, they worship Him, for He alone is worthy of such. But then the Bible makes a promise that, like so many of its promises, seems beyond our ability to grasp. It promises, i.e., God promises, that for those who know Christ right now, to those who have been born again and are right now at this moment children of God, one day “we shall be like him.”

What an awesome and incomprehensible truth this is! We will be like the One Who is so far above us – indeed above us as the heavens are above the earth (Isaiah 55:9). This truth should thrill our souls like no other! One day, and it won’t be long, all those who want to be like Christ, will be. All those who are enthralled by His awesome love, wisdom, kindness, gentleness, and holiness will share these exact same attributes as we dwell with Him forever in Heaven.

So how can this be? Only by the power and authority of our mighty God. Like salvation itself, it is “not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). No wonder Paul could say “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us . . . but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience” (Romans 8:18-25).

Surely, it will be worth it all when we see Jesus, no matter how long we have to wait.