Destined to be like Jesus

Leon FontaineDevoted

We are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose. For those whom He foreknew [of whom He was aware and loved beforehand], He also destined from the beginning. Romans 8:28 (AMPC)

You are called by God, according to His design and purpose. He des- tined you from the beginning. But destined you for what?
Are you destined to be a hero? A person of high position? Someone special by the world’s standards? Maybe you will be recognized that way, but that’s not what today’s verse is talking about. In fact, the verse that follows makes it clear. It says you are destined “to be molded into the image of His Son [and share inwardly His likeness], that He might become the firstborn among many brethren” (Romans 8:29, AMPC).
In other words, God is calling you to be like Jesus.
God’s plan was for Jesus to be the firstborn of many, which means God intended to have many more children—us! Every one of us who has accepted Christ already is “like Jesus” internally. We are God’s kids and we have His nature inside. On the outside, however, we need to choose to be progressively molded into His image in our thoughts, behaviours and actions. We need to live and act the way Jesus did: walking in love and in God’s power, strong and victorious.
The truth is that this is your destiny: to be molded into Jesus’ image. You already are like Him inside. Believe it, get to know Him better, and know that you are empowered to choose to speak, think and act the way He did.