Being Like Him - a 40 Day Lenten Devotionalنموونە

Words

God made this whole universe by the power of His Word. Jesus is referred to as the “Word of God.” The Word of the Godhead family is personified in the person of Jesus Christ. Words are the expressions of our thoughts and feelings and Jesus exemplifies the thoughts, feelings and response of God to humankind. It is interesting to note that God created everything by the Word of His mouth. But when it came to human beings, he did not create us by His word. Instead He created us from the earth and breathed His life into us. When Jesus gave up His life, it was to regenerate us into His likeness, and our words and expression should reveal the life God has given to us.

Jesus, the “Word” is a full expression of God’s thoughts and feelings. Being like Him would mean for us to become a full expression of the God who resides in us. Bible says our words have the power of life and death. This explains why the blessings of the Patriarchs were considered so important in the past, so much so that Jacob deceived his brother in order to get his father’s blessings. The power of our words is so connected to the life that God has given us. The ‘life’ that was broken by sin, is restored only through Jesus Christ and by the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. Our words can have the authority to bind as well as loosen. It is no surprise that God wants His children to use their words carefully!

The Bible reminds us, in the multitude of words there is sin. Paul exhorts us to speak the truth in love and to have our conversation seasoned with salt. When we know our words can build as well as destroy, edify as well as kill, shouldn’t we use our words carefully? So, may we choose our words wisely and speak them through the power of the Holy Spirit that words may accomplish His purposes.

A cup which is fully filled when shaken will only give out that which it is filled in. A person experiencing excruciating pain expresses a string of abusive words in order to cope with their pain. What comes out in such times is usually evidence of what is in us or who is inside of us. Our words should become an expression of Christ who resides in us. How can one have the right thoughts and words amidst suffering and loss? It is only through the enabling of the Holy Spirit.

I am convicted as I write this. I stand guilty for being harsh to others when under stress and pain. It is quite convenient to blame our circumstances for our rude behavior; however, we all need the power of the Holy Spirit to speak and act as Jesus did. For one to speak words of forgiveness and kind words even while experiencing death just like Jesus, one needs to be filled with His Spirit. I believe the more we grow into His likeness our words begin to express more of Him who lives in us.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, I’m guilty of the thoughts and words that have flown out of me when facing tough situations. Lord fill me with your Spirit that the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart will be pleasing to you. In Jesus name, Amen.