Pastor's Corner: It's not easy being like Jesus

We sing the song To be Like Jesus but it’s not easy sometimes. God is working in our lives and using circumstances to conform us into the image of Christ. It does not happen all at once. Growing into conformity can be rough. It’s not easy being like Jesus.

It’s not easy being like Jesus, he was a servant. Matthew 20:28 said he came to minister and to give his life for many. The Bible says He took up him the form of a servant. Christ said I seek not my own will but the will of him who sent me. We must have that servant attitude that is even willing to be inconvenienced and even willing to step out of our comfort zone.

Servants are available to God. No task is beneath them. Whatever they do, they do it all for the Lord. Philippians 2:4 look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

It’s not easy being like Jesus in forgiveness. Jesus said Father forgive them they know not what they do. Man did his worst to Jesus and yet he forgave them. He showed us how to treat people who do us wrong. It’s not easy being like Jesus in forgiveness. Jesus said pray for your enemy. He said if we do not forgive our heavenly Father would not forgive us.

Paul said be kind to each other, and forgiving each other as Christ forgave us. Unforgiveness gives the devil a small area of jurisdiction in our heart.

It’s not easy being like Jesus in prayer. The disciples asked Jesus to teach them how to pray. Jesus told us to watch and pray. The Spirit is willing but the flesh is weak. Christ prioritized prayer daily. Jesus’ prayer life submitted to the will of God as he said not my will but yours.

It’s not easy being like Jesus but we are to try to pattern our life after him.

Jim Glasco is pastor of 7th Standard Pentecostal Church of God, Shafter.