{"id":2675,"date":"2023-01-14T09:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-01-14T14:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nancylucenay.com\/staging\/8869\/?p=2675"},"modified":"2025-07-14T17:50:35","modified_gmt":"2025-07-14T21:50:35","slug":"change-how-to-become-more-like-jesus","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nancylucenay.com\/staging\/8869\/change-how-to-become-more-like-jesus\/","title":{"rendered":"Change ~ How to Become More Like Jesus"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Did you make New Year\u2019s resolutions? Which areas of your life do you hope to change, and how will you make that happen? Did you include becoming more like Jesus this year?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What if, as believers, we adopted God\u2019s goal for us? We know he wants to conform us to the image of Christ\u00a0(Romans 8:29<\/a><\/em>)\u2014a process called spiritual formation, but knowledge alone is insufficient.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most Christians hope to grow in godliness. But how? Can we sit back, waiting for God to change us? Do we have the power to accomplish the goal ourselves? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Neither technique works. Instead, spiritual growth is a joint venture. God will not do our part, and we cannot do his. Like growing crops, we must plant, fertilize, and remove weeds. But only God can send the rain and sun necessary for a bountiful harvest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Approaches to Spiritual Formation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

One method to achieve spiritual maturity is removing the weeds, i.e., cutting out bad habits. Yet, Paul focused his energy on pursuing God\u2019s call and goal instead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Forgetting what is behind\u00a0and straining toward what is ahead,\u00a0I press on\u00a0toward the goal to win the prize\u00a0for which God has called\u00a0me heavenward in Christ Jesus.<\/em><\/p>\nPhilippians 3:13-14<\/em><\/a><\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

For many decades, I chose an annual emphasis for my private prayers, e.g., growing in holiness or eliminating certain sins. But unfortunately, after a few days or weeks, I forgot to pay attention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, this year, I have a new plan, one I read in a book: My One Word<\/em>\u00a0by Mike Ashcraft<\/a>. Rather than choosing an emphasis, I chose a word\u2014one I invite God to use as he transforms my heart and one I use to examine my life. Focusing on one word facilitates change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Steps to Change<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Are you interested in fulfilling God\u2019s goal for you? If so, I invite you to join me in this experiment. I list the steps below, but each needs careful prayer and deliberation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Describe the person you want to become.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n

    How would the person you want to become act and react? How would they respond when they encounter the challenges you face?<\/p>\n\n\n

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    1. Define the characteristics of that person.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n

      What character traits would the person you described exhibit? What attitudes would their speech and actions reveal?<\/p>\n\n\n

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      1. Determine your word and Bible verse.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n

        Which word represents what you hope God will do in your life this year? After deciding, select a Scripture and picture that supports your word and encourages you.<\/p>\n\n\n

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        1. Display your word.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n

          Unless you keep your word in front of you, you will be prone to forget it. To help you remember, write your chosen word on pieces of paper, placing them around the house and on your laptop, tablet, phone, etc.\u2014locations you see every day.<\/p>\n

          Name ways you can remind yourself of your word. Where can you put it so you will see it often?<\/p>\n\n\n

          My Word<\/h2>\n\n\n
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          \"Sunset
          We need both to receive and give grace.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

          I chose the word \u201cGrace,\u201d which in New Testament days was a secular, not religious, word. Grace referred to reciprocity (mutual obligations) between human beings or between a person and God. Paul had this understanding in mind when he wrote:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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          For it is by grace you have been saved,\u00a0through faith\u2014and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God\u2014not by works,\u00a0so that no one can boast.\u00a0For we are God\u2019s handiwork,\u00a0created\u00a0in Christ Jesus to do good works,\u00a0which God prepared in advance for us to do.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\nEphesians 2:<\/em><\/a>8<\/em><\/a>-10<\/em><\/a><\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

          First-century grace described:<\/p>\n\n\n\n