Psalm 86:11 “Teach me your way, O LORD, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name.”
The late Keith Green was a contemporary christian musician who died tragically in a plane accident in the early 80’s. His legacy was one of being sold out for Jesus. He wrote and sang songs that spoke to the heart of those who desire to be more like Jesus. The honesty of his lyrics was one element that drew me to his music.
The beginning of the song “I want to be more like Jesus” begins with a somber look at his own heart…
“As each day passes by, I feel my love run dry
I get so weary, worn and tossed ’round in the storm
Well I’m blind to all His needs and I’m tired of planting seeds
I seem to have a wealth of so many thoughts about myself”
What believer has not experienced these very same thoughts?
Life can be difficult, the days wear on and grow long, joys are followed by sorrows, and the need to press on can seem daunting. The call to love God and love one another requires a daily examination of the heart. Without the love of God pouring into the soul of the saint, the reservoir would run dry quickly.
Psalm 16:11 “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”
The Lord who calls His saints does not leave them to strive on their own. He supplies them with all they need and directs their paths in righteousness. The question isn’t whether God will be found faithful, the question is whether we will follow? Will we seek Him and draw from the well of eternal life?
The chorus of Keith’s song speaks of the longing heart…
“I want to, I need to, be more like Jesus
I want to, I need to, be more like Him”
The desire to become more like Jesus is founded by the Spirit of Christ in us. The hunger for more of God is found by drawing near.
I Want To…
People have inherent needs. From food and water, to the need for shelter and companionship, there are basic needs that reflect our form. But at the center of every being is the need for God.
Psalm 145:16 “You open your hand; you satisfy the desire of every living thing.”
The Lord knows our needs and He supplies with all that is necessary. Many people have their needs met without recognizing the Giver of all good things, but for those who know their Maker, they return the blessings with praise.
James 1:17 “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, with whom there is no change or shifting shadow.”
Do you want to be more like Jesus? If so…why? How will your life change if your request is given? Will you walk differently, will your speech sound more like the Master? Will you love more and sin less? Will the light of the Spirit of God shine brighter through you?
What is the expectation of living life in the steps of the Master?
There are so many promises to those who seek Jesus with all their hearts..
John 6:35 “Jesus answered, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to Me will never hunger, and whoever believes in Me will never thirst.”
2 Corinthians 9:8 “And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things, at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”
Matthew 6:26 “Look at the birds of the air: They do not sow or reap or gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?”
The Lord doesn’t just call people into servanthood, He calls them to know Him and the boundless love He lavishes upon His own. His mercies are new every morning, His faithfulness and love have no end and the Shepherd rejoices over His sheep. The joy of the Lord is their strength and without Him they can do nothing.
When we pray and yearn for more of Jesus, we desire everything that has worth in this world.
I Need To…
Wisdom is found in the hearts of those who understand the value of holiness. Becoming more like Jesus is to be found in greater holiness unto the Lord.
Why is holiness so necessary to God’s people?
1 Peter 1:14-16 “As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”
To be holy is to be set apart in service to the King of kings. To be holy is to be pure, blameless, and consecrated for God’s Kingdom and His glory.
Being more like Jesus is a necessity for the people of God. If those who are called by His name demonstrate unrighteousness, if their lives look more like an idolator than a servant of the Lord, they falsely represent God himself—they blaspheme His name.
Following in the footsteps of Christ is impossible without the Spirit of Christ leading the way.
The Lord supplies the power and might necessary for the journey. Believers must seek Him first before they take one step down His path. The lyrics are a reminder of what is true and noble in life, the calling is sure…we cannot forget who made the call.
“Our Father’s will was done by giving us His Son
Who paid the highest cost, to point us to the cross
And when I think of Him taking on the whole world’s sin
I take one look at me compared to what I’m called to be”
We would not be able to take one step in God’s path without Jesus.
1 Peter 1:20 “He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you”
“I want to, I need to, be more like Jesus
I want to, I need to, be more like Him”
Jesus has earned the right of all our praise. He gave all that we might become inheritors of His Kingdom. There is no other name, there is no other path…there is only one way.
The final stanza is a reminder that our conduct should align with our declaration. If Jesus dwells in the heart, the mind and body follows.
“The end of all my prayers is to care like my Lord cares
My one and only goal, His image in my soul
Yes, my weakness is revealed when by His stripes I’m healed
He’s faithful and He’s true to complete the work He begins in you”
What the Lord began in you, He will bring to completion.
1 Peter 1:22-23 “Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart, since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God”
The eternal Word of God is backed by the power of His promises. The one who follows them will find eternal life….all because of Jesus.
May the desire of our souls yearn with the same heart for God.
U.T. 