Introduction: From Like to Likeness

 

Like is a familiar word known to fellow Facebookers. Clicking like indicates the measure of our enjoyment

or regard for something. Facebook friends who give a thumb-up like are indicating their admiration and

affirmation of others posts, comments or photos.

 

According to Webster's dictionary to like is: to enjoy something, to get pleasure from something, to regard

something in a favourable way, to feel affection for someone or to enjoy being with someone.

 

Therefore, when we observe at the like and work of Jesus during his life on earth, it's easy to give Him a thumb-up, showing that we like Him.

 

                                                     The life of Jesus clearly models out how we are to live out an abundant Kingdom-life. Even those that have                                                             little or no faith seem to appreciate many of the values taught by Jesus. Many of those who do not share the                                                         Christian faith acknowledge that he was an all round good bloke, yet their perception tends to limit him to                                                           just being an inspirational teacher. So liking him is one thing, but to resemble Him, or to be shaped into His                                                         likeness, is a much, much greater challenge.

 

                                                      Reflecting Christ’s character, or becoming like Him, is a massive ask. Yet for all our opposition to such an                                                               ideal, "likeness", or specifically "Jesus-likeness", is part of Gods intended calling for our every day life-                                                                 journey as a Christian (Rom 8:28).

 

                                                      So is this really achievable? How on earth can we be like God’s only begotten son? Is this realistic, as it does                                                         sounds like a rather far-fetched expectation.

 

                                                     Before we embark on this divinely inspired quest to be “like him” (1 John 2:6; Galatians 5:22), it's important to                                                      be reassured of God’s support in making this happen (John 14:16). Thankfully we haven’t been left purely to                                                          our own devices and our flailing self-efforts (John 16:7,13).

 

The great news for everyone is that the Holy Spirit has come (Acts 2:1-4,17,18). The Spirit of Jesus has been poured out to divinely assist, enable and empower us in this shaping process throughout our life's journey (John 14:17, 26; 16:7,13; Acts 1:8).