Just Like Jesus

Just like Jesus. That's what we're to aspire to in our lives; to grow in Christlikeness. Pretty big task, huh! This is also the name of the book I'm currently reading for the women's book club that my youth pastor's wife has started up for the women in our church. I've only read the first two chapters so far but wow!

It just the fact of reading stories I already know in a different light makes it seem so new! The few chapters talk about having a heart like Jesus and about "loving the people you're stuck with". The author, Max Lucado, went through John 13 which is about Jesus washing His disciples' feet. Although I have heard this many times and learnt that we should be servant hearted like Christ, I never stopped to think about it that was Lucado has in this chapter. He points out the fact that Jesus knew how Judas would betray Him, how Peter would curse Him, how Thomas would doubt Him and ultimately, the sin and inner most thoughts of all twelve of them. All of this and yet the one who is most worthy of being served, kneeled down to serve His disciples. It just amazes me the amount of mercy and grace He displayed that night.

Lucado says. "Try shifting your glance away from the one who hurt you and setting your eyes on the one who has saved you". This made me think about my life and if I concentrate on past issues that don't matter anymore when I should be looking toward Jesus with all I have. I have had to deal with an issue that I've had since school days with this one person who I felt betrayed my trust so many times in the years we had growing up together. Recently, God brought this person back into my life and I was still holding on to the attitude I had back then and didn't really even want to know her, to be honest. Then after a few weeks, I felt God challenging me to deal with it and leave it where it belongs and trust that God does change people's hearts and we can "be transformed by the renewing of [our] minds". So, I did. I chatted with this person and I feel a lot better after clearing the air and am looking forward to see what the Lord does in her and through her in the future. I'm glad that in this instance, I looked toward God and what He wanted and I found a better solution.

It also made me think about the other friend situation I have. I realise that things probably won't change there and the best I can do is just be there for them and hopefully they can come around to supporting me in my decisions and see that I am happy. Meanwhile, God has placed a very special person in my life to help me through this and all this time I have been taking them for granted but now, I realise what they mean to me and I appreciate them a whole lot! (Yes, Miss. Stephanie, I am talking about you!) I'm glad to call her my bff (best friend forever) and can now see why God chose a headstrong choleric and a optimistic sanguine to work together in a close knit internship, as it turned a growing friendship into a permanent sisterhood =)

So, that's my post on being Just Like Jesus (with a detour about Steph but what do you expect from the "optimistic sanguine" =P). I know it's always going to be a challenge in my daily walk to grow anywhere near Christ's level, but I am certain I will learn some great lessons through that journey!