NIL - Name, Image & Likeness - 3 of 3

Likeness is the word for the day as we complete our study on Christian NIL - name, image & likeness. Likeness is similar to image but goes further into the specific attributes of Christ.

The word Christlikeness was created to describe how we should model and "live like Jesus." But what does that really mean? We know Jesus in two different ways - the documented stories on His life in the Bible and from our personal relationship with Him. How do we craft all of that into a “likeness” that we should try to resemble?

The Apostle Paul does this for us. He summarizes Christlikeness in Galatians 5:22-23 in nine words: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These "fruits of the Spirit" provide some very clear definition around the qualities which Christians are called to cultivate. These nine traits don’t simplify the sanctification process for us, but they do provide recognizable character targets we should aim for. We really don’t have to look any further than these.

In contrast are the “sins of the flesh.” They are outlined in the verses immediately preceding the “fruits of the Spirit” passage. Galatians 5:19-21 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Which of these sets of qualities best define our lives - the fruit of the spirit or the sins of the flesh? While we all have some of both of them present, hopefully we are growing more in Christlikeness and the fruits of the Spirit. We’ll never be truly Christlike in this life but there should be a good trajectory of growth if we are pursuing the things of God.

Aim at heaven and you get the earth thrown in, aim at earth and you will get neither. C.S. Lewis

Stay hungry,

Big E

Matt 5:6