It seems like at times its hard to keep up with the pace God is pressing forward to get us ready for heaven. From time to time, I still catch myself thinking and acting like some die hard Christians living in Medieval ages. So much of their striving for sanctification appeared to be based on the concept of imitating or copying Christ. “Following” their Savior to the point where they formed a lifestyle that was isolated from reality and often cut out from fellowship with people. Living like hermits, they created “holiness” that actually competed with that of the Savior.
I am so thankful to know the power of the new covenant where God says, “I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them”. Our duty then is to abide in Him. It’s all about allowing the Holly Spirit to live out Christ’s life in us. The “real deal” not some replica of the original can be our reality.
Much as I believe that Christian character formation is to some extent based on copying Christ and behavior modification that involves an effort, or maybe even a sacrifice, yet even in those instances, it is accomplished because of our loyalty to God and the knowledge of true Christ. I like to be with Christ not for the purpose of stealing ideas for righteous living, but in order to relish my true identity. After all my “life is hidden in Him”. Isn’t that awesome that by mere “beholding we are changed into His image”. Together with apostle Paul I can say “for me to live is Christ…”
