Throughout history, we have witnessed many individuals and a converging of circumstances that have formed our faith, but as Christians, what truly shapes who we are to become and how we are to live as a holistic individual? From the foundation, Scripture proclaims that we are formed in the image of the Triune God; however, when sin entered the human heart, it separated us from God and fractured that image. But God’s infinite love set forth his redemptive will through the perfect image of Christ to be carried out through the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. And so, our fractured image was restored through the work of Jesus Christ. Our sole purpose is not to just serve Christ or do for him, but to be conformed to his beloved image in every respect, “For those whom he foreknew, he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the first born within a large family” (Romans 8:29). This happens through our sonship because we are now adopted into God’s family as his living sons and daughters to share in the blessing of Jesus for the world.

This transformation process is immediate and ongoing. How many times have we allowed what we do to shape our identity and status in life? What about allowing our lack to loom over us and tell us that we are not enough. We might even compare these statistics to numerous others and believe that to be loved and favored by God, we must work harder, have more, and be noticed by all.  Please hear these words. Our formation in Christ is not dependent upon what we do: our work, status, accolades, nor how much we accomplish, etc. It is not dependent upon what we have: Our outward beauty, our body size, our health, our home, or money in the bank, etc. And finally, it is certainly not dependent upon what others say or do not say about us. We all struggle with this. Our Christian formation is all because of Jesus! His perfect image lives and moves in the center of our being forming our spirit to become like him. From this, our emotions, our relationships, our intellect, our vocation, our health, and stewardship sprout forth. This is how we become a whole person in Christ. Hallelujah!

One of the greatest elements that God uses to draw us to be conformed to Christ is through sufferings of every kind. You cannot know Jesus Christ apart from suffering, because he is the suffering servant. He wants to derail the pillars we have erected so that he alone is the center of our lives. We encounter a glimpse of his deep suffering to walk through this arduous journey with others. Suffering comes in all shapes and sizes: from sickness to loss/death, to wayward children, to being persecuted for loving Christ, and constant inner conflict. The prophets, apostles, and ancient masters knew that to be conformed to Jesus Christ’s perfect image, suffering would accompany their journey, The Scripture is clear. If we desire to share in the glory (beauty) of the Son, then we too must share in his sufferings. “If we are children, heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ-if in fact, we suffer with him so that we also might be glorified with him” (Romans 8:17). It is a beautiful thing to witness God’s eternal power and attributes in Christ sprouting forth new life amid suffering. I Praise his name!! I am forever grateful to God for my sufferings so that I might become more like Jesus. As we grow in our relationship with Christ, the Holy Spirit begins to form an obedient heart to always say yes to God’s will. He forms a deep-seated Christ-like character to reflect his image to the world. Our response to God loving us deepens that love toward others, and God’s grace cultivates and shapes our servant heart to live as a whole and healed people that immerse themselves in the beauty of the Trinity to offer all.  Remember, you are God’s beloved child on whom his favor rests!

Reflection:

• What shapes your life, be honest?
• How has God deepened your relationship with him through the element of suffering?

Dear Father,

          We praise you for your holy and perfect work in Christ. Thank you for your mighty love that lives in us through the image of your Son. May the Holy Spirit continue to draw us to be conformed to your blessed image so that we might bless the world.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Blessings,

Dr. Caroline