The assumption is that when we see Christ and experience Him in the flesh, we will become just like Him in character.

24 The path of life leads upward for the wise to keep them from going down to the realm of the dead. [We are always in motion; we never remain idle. As a canoe rowing upstream must keep paddling, so we must “keep paddling” upstream.]

When a person turns to Christ and experiences rebirth (that connection that is made when we turn to Him and seek Him), the transformation begins. We begin moving from being dominated by our base desires and living for ourselves according to how we were raised to becoming Christ-like: Holy, godly, joyful, peaceful and loving. Living with Jesus will do that to a person.

The assumption is that we are moving toward the goal of being just like Christ–but unique according to our own personalities and gifts. We are a synthesis of Christ and us. We are new creations and are, indeed, creating with Him. It’s a partnership. When do we achieve this goal? When we are with Christ.

² Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is. 1 John 3:2

¹⁹ So we have the prophetic word made more sure, to which you do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts. 2 Peter 1:19

Life in Christ is designed to be different. “Get used to different.”

Abba, thank You that You take a personal interest in each of us. Thank You for making us each unique and that You celebrate that uniqueness. May we look for the uniqueness in each other and celebrate it with You. I look forward to the Day when You are revealed to us and we are revealed to each other. Amen.