By Stanley Ow Chong Kheng
Stanley is the GMMI National Lead Facilitator in Singapore.
TO BE LIKE HIM-this is goal of all followers of Jesus. The apostle had this verse to remind us, ‘And this is my prayer: that your love abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ.’ (Philippines 1:9-10). Growing in love with the only true Jesus enables us to walk rightly through life according to His perfect will.
Paul’s heartbeat for Christ, ‘I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death.’ (3:10) It was the reason that when in comparison to his humanly attained qualifications and background, he counted it as useless and ineffective , desiring only to know Him. The more we see and know Him, the more we become like Him. Prayer becomes a joy with Jesus as you speak to Him and He speaks to you. Hours seem like minutes in His presence. Reading and studying His Word becomes rewarding and longing as He ministers to you in the process. Going to church becomes exciting as you allow Him to speak to you through the preachers with fellowship among the saints. Praise and worship comes from a love relationship with the King. Everyday seems to be a day of opportunity and miracles. You love to live for Jesus. As you know Him, you experience the power and prompting of the Holy Spirit in your life. He transforms us. Being His message bearer becomes a privilege for those who know Him. You are willing to pay the sacrificial price of serving Him. It may be limited finances or food, simple living or faith living. As Christ had suffered for us, we are willing to suffer for His sake even to the point of death. What is death to a follower of Jesus but a promotion to heaven as you rest your work or ministry for Him on earth.
Serving God is more than the many outward things we try to do to serve Him. It is only the outcome of our inner love relationship with Him. In His presence, He transforms us into His likeness. Worship and enjoy God. Have you ever enjoyed Him through intimate communion? Two of the greatest commandments that the Lord has left with us are: Love Him with our all and love our neighbors as ourselves.
Stay in love with the lover of our souls and become like Him. You have a testimony that is only yours. Tell your story to others.