THE FAMILY LIKENESS

We love it when our children look like us, don't we? We want them to show resemblance to our features and personality. Who is she or he most like, Daddy or Mommy? We always hope it's "me." This is a God-given desire. God Himself wants children in His family likeness. That's why He created us in His image.

Although this image was destroyed through sin, God is so intent on having His family likeness, that He sent His own beloved Son to die for our sins and redeem us back again to Himself. He not only redeemed with His precious blood but comes to dwell in our hearts by His Spirit to conform us to His image. Romans 8:29 tells us that the purpose of our redemption is "to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren."

Jesus is the firstborn son, but God wants many more sons who wear the family likeness. Are we allowing Him to conform us and mold us to His image? Or, do we want to stay the same? Would we rather keep our stubborn will? It takes daily dying to the flesh to allow the Holy Spirit to make us more like Him (Romans 12:1-2).

Hebrews 2:10 tells us that because of Jesus' suffering and death He is "bringing many sons unto glory." Do the people around us recognize that we are one of God's sons? Do they see the family likeness?

Nancy