A Father’s Resemblance

 Have you seen a movie or read a book where someone later in life finds out their parents are not actually their birth parents? I have entertained that idea myself. But it doesn’t take long for me to recognize ways I resemble them, whether in appearance or personality. In fact, in some ways, I see so much of my parents in myself I think undeniably, how could I not be my parents’ biological child?

Our primary goal should be to resemble the person of Jesus, and that is HIS goal for us. The joys, sorrows, heartaches, jubilations, and trials we experience are opportunities to mold us into the character of our Father. By spending time with and serving Him, those around us should see less and less of us and more of Him. They should be able to look at me and think undeniably, she IS her Father’s child!

When Jesus walked this earth, He always made time for people and met them where they were. He sat, told stories, listened. He had space for them. He welcomed the hurting, the needy, the grieving, the law breakers, the rejected, the sick, the marginalized. He had pace and time to carry out the will of the Father. He was PRESENT.

We cannot be present with those around us and love them like Jesus if we do not have space for them. Philippians 2: 4-5 says, “Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves, which was also in Christ Jesus.”

Lord, we want our lives to resemble You. Help us to live in a way where we make space for You and those You love. Help us to navigate our days. Give us direction on what to do with our time. We want to develop more and more of your character, so we become who You designed us to be.

Do a margin check. Right now, if someone came to you with a need or if a God-ordained-opportunity presented itself, would you be stressed? Would you feel overwhelmed? Would you be frustrated? If you answered yes to any of questions, you may need margin. This is not something I have mastered. This is something I’m working on because I feel like Jesus is telling me, “You cannot love like Me and resemble Me, if you do not have the time to be with the people I give you.”

So how do we get margin? Over the next week, spend time alone with God doing the following:

• Ask Jesus to help you evaluate your time/responsibilities/activities
• Listen and write down any thoughts/ideas that pop into your head during that time
• Surrender your time to Him- lay it on the altar (it’s hard, but He’ll honor it!)
• Pray and ask the Lord to close any doors not of Him
• Be willing to say NO to the good things, so you can say yes to your BEST things
• Be available and present to those around you