If you ever watch a major dog show, you will quickly learn that there are many breeds of dog. Each breed has its own standard.
There are many standards, but only one for each breed. The standard is a composite of all the perfect physical attributes of the breed. The specimen which comes closest to its standard is judged Best of Breed. Breeders spend an enormous amount of time and money in perfecting their breed.
While man looks on the outward appearance, God looks upon the heart. The standard for man is spiritual and that standard is Jesus. The desire of every Christian should be to become more like Jesus every day.
Man's role in this transformation process is relatively simple and easy. He fixes his eyes upon Jesus. He focuses upon Christ and studies God's word. He abides in it. He prays. He submits his will to God's will. He avails himself to God and God does the real work.
God transforms us. He prunes from our lives the sinful practices that are unlike Christ and then produces in us those Christ-like traits, such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. - Galatians 5:22-23
God wants to conform us to His standard, to the likeness of His Son. - Romans 8:29
Paul was confident that God would complete this task. - Philippians 1:6
God wants to do this good work in your life. Will you let Him?
Paul wrote, "And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into His likeness with every-increasing glory."
The author of the book of Hebrews wrote, "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith."
John promises that "when He appears, we shall be like Him."
Like the standard is the best this breed can be. The standard is Jesus.
• Ken Haskins is pastor of First Christian Church in Carson City.