“Dear friends, we are already God’s children but He has not yet shown us what we will be like when Christ appears. But we do know that we will be like Him for we will see Him as He really is.” (1 John 3:2 NLT)
This scripture makes us think; what is the end goal of raising children? We hope to raise them into our own likeness, don’t we? Perhaps this is why it hurts so much when they go their own way. Likeness seems to be God’s aim for His children as well. God wants us not to remain as children, but to grow up into His image: into the fullness of the intent stamped upon us at creation.
Of course the enemy knew this, all the way back in the garden. He proposed a shortcut to God’s intended result when he offered Eve the forbidden fruit and fought against her objections:
“You won’t die!” The serpent replied to the woman. “God knows that your eyes will be opened as soon as you eat it and you will be like God, knowing both good and evil.” (Genesis 3:3-5 NLT)
Friend, there are no shortcuts to God’s best. If we take the quickest route, we will arrive at the final destination without the character required to sustain such an address. What was intended to be joyous becomes burdensome instead.
Children of God cooperate with the growth plan of God. They understand that there are mile markers of surrender and development that must be met in order to arrive with essential character intact. There are no shortcuts to the Kingdom. Only the enemy offers alleyways and side routes knowing full well they will never actually lead to God’s best.
We don’t really now what it will look like to be grown up in Christ, but we can be sure the best is yet to come. The enemy’s shortcuts lead to painful places, but God’s long and narrow way is surely a hike to the very best location. We can trust Him in this process.
“Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are His children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered Himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.” (Ephesians 5:1-2 NLT)
Lord, please forgive us for the times we’ve subjected ourselves to shortcuts. The easy way is rarely the right way. Help us to live thoroughly committed to arriving at Your intended destination; character fully cultivated by each step along the way. The journey serves as opportunity to make us more like You and shortcuts leave growth gaps. May we cooperate and stay the course as we follow You closely, determined to live as son or daughter growing more into Your image every day. Amen.