Consider this–Nugget # 27 from the Official Collection of Proverbs and Random Thoughts from Jeff the Twisted, Slightly Off-Center Philosopher:
“Since the arrival of Christ on the stage of world history, those who claim to believe in Him have consistently struggled between conforming themselves after the likeness of Christ, and forming Christ after their own likeness and agendas.”
Hmm….
Wayward Son
Musician. Composer. Recovering perfectionist. Minister-in-transition. Lover of puns. Hijacker of rock song references. Questioner of the status quo.
I'm not really a rebel. Just a sincere Christ-follower with a thirst for significance that gets me into trouble. My quest has taken me over the fence of institutional Christianity. Here are some of my random thoughts along the way. Read along, join in the conversation. Just be nice.
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Jeff,
I agree with this statement. It is quite a nugget. In order to have the right perspective on biblical teaching, it is necessary to surrender to Christ. Until we voluarily surrender our rights, will, and desires, we will constanstantly being trying to conform Christ after our own image.
We must surrender to HIs will and desires in order to conform to Him. Something that takes much effort everyday.
Blessings,
Gary
Really insightful Jeff.. not that I have ever formed Christ after my own likeness and agendas 🙂
Jeff,
Absolutely a true statement. Jesus is a hard act to follow. Complete surrender of self at times seems a lofty goal. We are striving to conform to a likeness we can never attain.
On the other hand, if we form Christ after ourselves, the job is trivial.
Gary,
It’s so easy to come to Jesus with just a little of our own agenda still clinging to us–just as we all approach the Scriptures with our built-in sense of bias. Even, in a subtle way, seeing Jesus merely as the someone to fix our problems carries an agenda. Even the first disciples were not immune. It is a constant challenge for Christ-followers to keep the proper perspective.
KB,
Neither have I. I’m waaay too good of a Christian for that. 😉
I also have a bridge for sale in New York, if you’re interested…
Jeff,
Well said. The one is always much easier than the other…which is probably why we so easily gravitate to it. The path of least resistance.
It requires not only humility to be comformed to Christ, but also faith in One greater–because we *can’t* do it of ourselves. Thank God we don’t have to attempt it without help. 🙂
I bought that bridge Jeff.. several times.. got a great loan from Countrywide 🙂