Becoming Like God

What is the goal of human existence? Reading through God's law, we find that God says to "be holy for I am holy." God is commanding us: "be like me! I've shown you what I am like - now be like me!"

This concept holds deep implications for our lives, particularly in how we treat others. With whatever authority you are given, whether within your family life, career, or local church, you should strive to handle your authority like God handles His authority.

Luke 22:24-27
A dispute also arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest. Jesus said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves benefactors. But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves."

How does God treat you? Has He abused His authority over you? He forgives you whenever you ask Him to, and as often as you ask. He sacrificed His only son for you without even knowing whether you would accept it or not. He wants more than anything to see you turn and repent so that He can bless you.

Why did God create us? It's a question that has a multi-faceted answer. For now, this is the aspect that I would like to dwell on: God created humanity so that we could one day be fully united with Him. Therefore, He cultivates us with the intention of showing us the right way to live, in order that we can attain that unity.

I would summarize the scripture in Luke by saying that God wants us to use our authority as an opportunity to satisfy the needs of others rather than our own needs. Likewise, God didn't create us to become slaves that He could boss around - He created us with the express purpose of exalting us if we will choose His way. God is like a boss who will not fire you as long as you are willing to work. Furthermore, He will give you a promotion if you actually do your job. Everything that He does is for our benefit.

How should we treat others, especially those that we have any kind of power over? We should treat them the way that God treats us. For those of us in God's Church, we are being tested right now as to whether we will choose to become like God, or whether we will choose to die the second death; therefore, let us choose life.