Reflecting the Character of Christ

I just finished teaching a long lesson on Heaven in Sunday School. One of the books I used as reference was Anne Graham Lotz’ book ‘Heaven, My Father’s House.’

She was talking about how in Heaven we will finally be like Jesus. That even with our own unique personalities and characteristics we will reflect the character of Christ.

And she said, “that character starts to get developed here on earth every time we:

Obey Him in the midst of suffering

Trust Him with unanswered prayer

Love Him without seeing Him

Believe in Him even though all evidence seems contrary to His Word

Focus on Him in the darkness of depression and discouragement

And hope in Him to bring us through.

When we choose to be patient instead of frustrated

To love instead of hate

To hold our tongues instead of lash out

To gently instruct instead of harshly correct

To be gracious instead of rude

Kind instead of mean

Unselfish instead of selfish

Tell the truth instead of the easier lie.

And when we:

Submit to the pain

Accept the pressure

Bear the burden

Deny ourselves daily and take up the cross of His will for our lives

When we follow Him not the crowd

And choose to live by His Word, not others’ opinions.

All of this forms Christ’s character in us and that’s how God uses everything for the ultimate good. None of our trials or sufferings are wasted.