How Can I Become More Like Jesus?

You really do want to become more like Jesus. Then someone irritates you, and you respond impatiently. You worry about something you thought you had surrendered to God. An old attitude returns. Before long, you’re wondering: Why am I still struggling with the same things?

Becoming more like Jesus can seem like an impossible goal. Thankfully, God doesn’t expect you to transform yourself overnight.

God Wants to Change More Than Your Behavior

We can try harder to be patient, loving, forgiving, humble, and self-controlled. That may improve our behavior for a while. But God wants something deeper. Scripture says that God’s purpose is for us to “be conformed to the image of his Son” (Romans 8:29).

God isn’t merely interested in helping you act more like Jesus. He wants to gradually develop the character of Jesus within you.

That kind of spiritual transformation takes time.

Invite God to Change You

Prayer can become an important part of that transformation. Instead of only asking God to change your circumstances, begin asking Him to change you:  Lord, show me where my attitudes don’t reflect Jesus. Help me love as He loved. Teach me patience. Replace pride with humility. Give me the courage to obey You.

Then cooperate with what you’re asking God to do. Today, when you face a difficult situation, pause before responding and ask: What would it look like to respond like Christ right now?

Then take that one small step. You won’t become like Jesus in a day. But as you keep seeking God, praying for transformation, and choosing Christlike responses, He can gradually change who you are becoming.

Want to Go Deeper?

Can Prayer Change Your Life? explores prayers that reach beyond asking God to fix our circumstances and invite Him to transform our hearts, minds, character, and daily lives. If you want prayer to become part of how God changes you from the inside out, this book can help you begin praying differently.

Until next time — get wisdom and pursue truth.

Blessings, Steve