To become like his Son ...

And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will. And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. -Romans 8:27-29 NLT

Ever wonder what the will of God is for your life? Perhaps you think of His will in terms of jobs, places and life choices? I have had these thoughts too. Yet in these few sentences Paul seems to express a different way of thinking about God's will. He begins by telling us that the Holy Spirit is interceding for us with regards to this divine will. He goes on to say that God works everything in our lives together to achieve that purpose or will. He then tells us what this will is.

The phrase "to become like his Son" specifies what the will of God is for the believer. I am blown away when I think about how God is working the good, the bad and the ugly things of my life together that I might be like Jesus. It puts everything in focus. No longer is suffering a path to sadness but now is a way that God can be glorified in my life. Each time I say no to temptation I am becoming more like Jesus. To become like the Son of God gives meaning to my life.

Open our eyes Lord ... open my eyes ... to see the ways that you are making us like your Son.

5 comments:

  1. JulieWednesday, January 30, 2013 7:10:00 AM

    I remember one of my theology professors saying, "There is no 'God's will for you.' YOU are God's will." I read the other day that God's will is not about what we do or where we go or how we serve, but who we become. God's will is the project of our becoming decent people... or as you say, more like Jesus.

    Such a flip from the idea that God has a specific set of tasks we are to perform and it's up to us to figure out what those are.

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  2. JulieWednesday, January 30, 2013 7:11:00 AM

    In other words: I really like your post this morning. :)

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    1. kc bobWednesday, January 30, 2013 7:13:00 AM

      Thanks Julie! I resonate with the idea of becoming decent people. :)

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  3. Fred ShopeWednesday, January 30, 2013 9:47:00 AM

    That's one of the biggest things God has taught me in the last few years. His will is not for me to be "happy" (whatever that is), but is for me to be formed into the image of Christ. It puts everything into perspective.

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    1. kc bobWednesday, January 30, 2013 9:52:00 AM

      Perspective is the word Fred. And ultimately, becoming like Jesus will bring joy into our lives.

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