My little children, for whom I labor in birth again until Christ is formed in you,
Galatians 4:19
Paul wrote to the Christ followers in the region of Galatia because he knew they were struggling in their spiritual maturity. As he wrote this letter, he expressed a goal that God had for them. That goal is stated in today’s verse.
The goal is for Christ to be fully developed in the life of every believer. In other words, let Christ be completely and permanently formed (molded) within you. (from the Amplified Bible Translation). We are to be like Jesus.
As a parent, our goal is to see our children grow up to be healthy, mature adults. But it takes a lot of effort to reach that goal. Years of praying, training and discipline are part of the process.
In the same way, it takes an asserted amount of effort to be molded into the likeness of Christ. Lots of prayer, training, and discipline.
It’s easy for people to see Jesus in us on Sunday while we worship at church. But what about on Monday? It’s easy to be Christ-like when you are surrounded by Christ-like people.
When you see yourself surrounded by people who are not Christ-like, it makes life more challenging. That is why we are in a process of becoming more like Christ.
Paul knew the Galatians would never achieve the full measure of maturity in their own strength by simply following rules and regulations. Christ would need to be developed in their character and shape their lives from the inside out.
It’s the same for you and me. The more we grow in the grace of God the more mature we become as Christians. And the more knowledge of God’s Word we can receive the more Christ will shine through us.
Pray
Lord, fill me with Your goodness and grace. Let Your wisdom and love shine through me today. Mature my faith and mold me to be the person You have called me to be.
