Growing in Christlikeness: Becoming More Like Jesus

Introduction to Growing in Christlikeness

When we talk about “growing in Christlikeness,” we’re really talking about the journey of becoming more like Jesus every day. This isn’t about perfection but transformation. It’s about allowing God to shape us to reflect His love, patience, and humility in every aspect of our lives. Think of it like refining gold—it takes time, patience, and persistence, and it sometimes involves fire. We’re all on this journey, and while it’s not always easy, every step brings us closer to living the life God has called us to.

In the last lesson, we discussed the importance of perseverance. Overcoming challenges strengthens us and deepens our faith. Now, as we focus on becoming more like Christ, let’s lean into that strength and let God guide us. Here’s how we can grow in Christlikeness together.

Woman reading a Bible outdoors in a peaceful, natural setting. — Renewing the mind through God’s Word.

Understanding Christlikeness: Embracing the Transformation

Becoming more like Christ is a process called “sanctification”—a big word for a simple idea: it’s the lifelong journey of growing to be more like Jesus. Romans 8:29 says, “For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son.” This verse reminds us that God’s ultimate purpose for us is to transform us into the image of His Son.

Imagine a gardener carefully tending to a young tree, shaping it so it grows tall, strong, and full of life. Similarly, God works with us patiently, pruning what needs to go and nourishing what will make us more like Christ. We’re invited to participate in this transformation, allowing God to work in every part of our lives.

Footsteps on a sandy beach at sunrise symbolizing a spiritual journey. — Walking by the Spirit in everyday life.

Identifying Areas for Growth: Becoming Aware of Where We Need Change

To grow in Christlikeness, it helps to start by identifying specific areas where we can better reflect Jesus—like patience, humility, or kindness. Ephesians 4:22-24 says, “Throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life… Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes.” This scripture calls us to let go of what holds us back and embrace God’s vision for us.

Take some time in prayer to ask God to reveal areas where He wants you to grow. Maybe you realize that patience isn’t your strong suit, or perhaps humility feels challenging in certain situations. By identifying these areas, you give God permission to begin His transformative work. As you spend time with God in this way, you may be surprised by what He reveals.

Two people embracing in an act of forgiveness and love. — Showing Christ’s love and humility in relationships.

Making Intentional Changes: Choosing to Live Differently

Growing in Christlikeness doesn’t happen by accident. It’s an intentional choice to align our thoughts, actions, and attitudes with Jesus’ example. Philippians 2:5 says, “You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.” That’s a high calling, but it starts with small, everyday decisions.

Think about someone who works as a barista in a busy coffee shop. Every day, they encounter dozens of people, many of whom are in a rush or just having a tough day. This barista could choose to respond with frustration, but instead, they intentionally choose to serve each person with patience and a smile, showing kindness in a simple way. This small choice reflects Jesus’ attitude of service and compassion.

In the same way, we can choose daily to reflect Christ. Whether it’s practicing patience with family members, extending kindness to strangers, or forgiving someone who has wronged us, these intentional actions shape us over time. They help us move closer to living out Christ’s love in our everyday interactions.

Relying on the Holy Spirit: Embracing God’s Power in Transformation

While we have a role in growing in Christlikeness, we don’t do it alone. The Holy Spirit is our helper, guiding us, empowering us, and transforming us from the inside out. 2 Corinthians 3:18 encourages us with these words: “The Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.” The Spirit enables us to grow in ways we couldn’t on our own.

Invite the Holy Spirit into your journey every day. Pray for strength to make the right choices, for wisdom to see situations as Jesus would, and for the courage to act in ways that reflect Him. It’s like having a coach who knows exactly what you need to work on, giving you that gentle nudge to help you improve. With the Spirit’s help, we can grow in ways that truly reflect Jesus to the world around us.

Hands raised in surrender during a quiet time of worship. — Daily surrender to God’s will.

Daily Surrender: Letting God’s Will Lead

One of the most Christlike actions we can take is surrendering our will to God’s, just as Jesus did. In Luke 22:42, Jesus prayed, “Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” Jesus’ surrender is a model for us, especially when life doesn’t go as planned.

Every day is an opportunity to put God’s will first. Start each morning by asking, “Lord, how can I serve You today?” This small prayer of surrender shifts our mindset and helps us embrace God’s plan over our own. When we choose God’s will over our comfort or convenience, we open ourselves to experience life as Jesus lived it—full of purpose and grace.

The Journey of Growing in Christlikeness

Growing in Christlikeness is a journey, and like any journey, it’s made up of many small steps. It involves daily choices, intentional reflection, and a willingness to let God work in our hearts. It’s a process that requires patience, but the reward is a life that more fully reflects Jesus. As we commit to this journey, let’s remember that each step, each prayer, and each act of love brings us closer to Him.

In the next lesson, we’ll take a look at how we can put this Christlike character into action by “Living Like Christ.” Stay tuned as we explore how a heart shaped by God can impact those around us in meaningful ways. Together, let’s keep walking forward, allowing God to mold us more into His likeness.