The marvel of becoming a Christian and
beginning the process of being transformed into His likeness is that anyone can
embark on that journey. Jesus invited tax collectors and sinners into a
relationship with himself. He also invited children to come to Him, as well as
those women who followed Him with amazement that He treated them with respect
and consideration. He said that rich or poor, with status or none, whosoever
will may come.
I’ve often felt peeved at those who equate
knowing God with intellect or education, as if being smart gave a person the
upper edge at being like Jesus. Jesus himself did not have a college degree.
The Jews therefore marveled, saying, “How is it that this man has learning, when he has never studied?” (John 7:15)
Knowing Him in a deeper way does not
mean that I must have a degree either. No doctorate or formal education of any
kind can change my life so that I am more like Jesus. This transformation is
available without any special instruction or place in life.
Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus. (Acts 4:13)
Spurgeon says that any Christian
should be a striking likeness of Jesus Christ written out in words and actions.
If I am what I profess to be, I should bear such striking likeness to Him that
others can say that I also have been with Jesus.
Certainly He teaches me, and of
course knowing the Word of God has great value, but more than that, I must
allow the Living Word to control what I say and do. Relying on anything other
than the power of the Holy Spirit can boost my ego and feed my pride. This borders
on idolatry and is selfish and sinful.
Thus says the Lord: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.” (Jeremiah 9:23–24)
Knowing God does not require study
and memorization, being wise or having money. Knowing God is the result of His grace
and mercy. Being like Jesus is an incredible gift. If there is anything I can
do to further the process, it would be to drop all pride in any of my so-called
accomplishments and simply do what He says.
Jesus, You have gifted me with the
incredible privilege of becoming like You. May I never hinder the process by
thinking I have the power to transform myself. Even obedience is Your work of
grace in Your people. You can use education, or money, or wisdom, or status for
Your purposes, but You need none of these to change a life. My heart is filled
with gratitude that You are at work in me --- no matter what I have or do not
have.
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