Becoming Like Christ

What are your goals for the new year? Is "becoming more like Christ" one of them?

How do you want to improve yourself in 2025? Do you want to be a better spouse? Friend? Neighbor? Leader? Listener?

Every Christian is called to be more like Christ. This transformation requires diligence, obedience, and a life that's dedicated to God's Word. We need to be grounded in the Word of God. What does it mean to do your best? - To give your maximum effort, commitment, full focus, perseverance, and dedication. It also requires integrity - being honest about your capabilities and giving your all without cutting corners.

In what ways or areas of life can you give your maximum effort? How can you give your best concerning ministry? Do you put your best foot forward concerning the ministry?

We do our best and give our best because it impacts the kingdom - souls. Are you a good example to those who you love who you want to see know Jesus personally? God has purpose for you. Every part of the ministry is important, no matter what your part is - it matters.  

We ought to do our best in all things.

1. We ought to strive for God's approval.
   1. The goal is to live in a way that pleases God and not seeking the applause of others. God's opinion is the one that matters the most because it's honest and not biased. Other people's opinions will change, but God's opinion is the only one that matters because He's the only one who can determine your eternity.
2. Become a Worker Without Shame. 
   1. A worker who is diligent in their task has no reason to be ashamed, because while their work will be examined, they know that they did their best. We should want to be identified with God by the work that we've done. When you love someone, you give them your best - your all without cutting corners. How are you giving God the best of yourself?
3. Correctly Handle God's Word.
   1. We should always be learning - open to growth and improvement. We cannot try to reshape the scriptures so that it fits how we want to live. Study the scripture deeply and regularly so that your thoughts, speech, and actions will resemble the Word. This also helps us share the Good News boldly and accurately. We are living epistles, meaning our life tells others what the Word says when we live according to the Word of God. 
4. Transformation Comes through Discipline
   1. Growth in Christ-likeness requires consistent spiritual discipline.  As well as diligence, obedience, and dedication.  (Read 1 Timothy 4:7)
      1. Prayer - align your heart with God
      2. Fasting - deepen your reliance on God
      3. Worship - center your life on Christ
      4. Biblical Support - train yourself to be godly