What metaphor describes your life? Metaphors help shape our concepts which provide context and meaning. Life is like… well, a water bug flitting aimlessly on a pond? Maybe a rollercoaster with its ups and downs? A hamster’s wheel with focused effort but not getting anywhere? The Bible intimates that life can best be understood as a journey with a very clear destination.
Consider the stories of journeys in the Bible. Abraham was leaving Haran to an unfamiliar place he would receive as an inheritance from God. Moses led the Hebrew nation out of Egyptian captivity through a wilderness hoping to discover The Promised Land. Jesus spent time in the Wilderness while confronting Evil. Many other Biblical characters went on journeys and quests of discovery. The Apostle Paul reminded the Corinthian Believers that these stories were written for our example and instruction. (See 1 Cor. 10)
So if life is a journey, then what is the destination? In the letter to the Romans, Paul declares that “all things are working together for good to those who love God who are the called according to His purpose” continuing, he reveals what that purpose is, that we are “conformed to the image of His Son (Jesus)” (see Rom 8:28-30) emphasis mine. This text sheds light on our Life Journey path.
I will take some liberty, to sum up a rather lengthy piece of teaching gleaned from the scriptures. When God’s Spirit comes to dwell inside our spirits at conversion, the Seed of Divine Nature begins to grow within us. That’s one reason we must be “born again”- the call to become a follower or apprentice of Jesus Christ. The indwelling Spirit begins a process to transform our lives from the inside out. Our challenge is to continue to yield to this work as we encounter trials and “dealings” of God in our daily lives.
To give us an idea of what this “Christ Life” looks like to which we are being conformed, allow me to submit this characteristic list compiled from the writings of Dr. Terry Wardle of Ashland Theological Seminary:
- Jesus rooted His identity in His position as God’s Beloved Son. He didn’t depend on power, position, or performance to define who he was
- Jesus experienced intimacy with the Heavenly Father. He was not afraid to disclose the deepest parts of Himself before His Father or others
- Jesus was committed to community as a context for growth and ministry. How many very close relationships do we have that genuinely love and care about us?
- Jesus prioritized character above behavior. His actions flowed harmoniously from within. He never experienced tension between what he should do and what he wanted to do.
- Jesus responded properly to personal brokenness. He saw no need to cover up or deny this part of Himself. He dealt openly and honestly about his brokenness.
- Jesus offered His wounds as a source of ministry to others. The source of true anointing when yielded to the Father’s love.
- Jesus was empowered in life by the Holy Spirit. I can’t say enough about this principle in this article. The power is beyond ourselves.
- Jesus ministered with Kingdom authority. He was always taken seriously and His words carried weight. Discover your true voice!
Identity, intimacy, community, character, brokenness, ministry, empowerment, and authority. Please note the progressive unfolding of this process of transformation unto spiritual maturity. We are on a journey with many exciting discoveries along the way. This insight has revolutionized my life. We cannot, however, bring forth these characteristics on our own. Our Helper is within and He is leading this process. Our part is to remain on the path and continue this great quest for more of Him in our lives.
If you have felt resistance or have been “wresting with God” and your life has held no deep meaning or purpose, listen to His whispers of Love to you. He has something very special for you to discover.
It’s time to unlock your deep meaning and purposes with Life Coaching.