We are focusing this month on how God’s promises enable us to live in Christ’s abundant life (John 10:10) with purpose and with power. Here is our fourth devotion that helps us understand that fulfilling His purpose doesn’t just bless us as we are, but transforms us to be better:

IN WORD – Maybe you had your heart set on a promising career or a certain spouse. Maybe you had planned out your education or your retirement. Maybe those things became your preoccupation. Maybe you’ve lost sight of God’s plan.
Your purposes for your life are not necessarily wrong, but unless you’ve set your heart on being like Jesus, those purposes aren’t the priority. God’s plan for you—for every one of us—is to make us look like Jesus. We were not made to generate light; we were made to reflect it. And to the degree that we are gazing at God and reflecting His glory to the world, we are fulfilling His ultimate purpose for us.
It’s an incredible purpose with an amazing promise. First we are approached by the King of all creation, the ultimate authority in the entire universe, and given the highest possible role in the Kingdom—to point to Him. Then we are told that our purpose will inevitably be fulfilled. We may be slow learners, and we may miss out on a lot of meaningful reflection in this world, but in the end, we will be the spitting image of our Savior. That was God’s plan for us from before the foundation of the world. We thought we were to build a career, start a family, and have a nice life of treating others well and loving God. But that was just a start. There’s a greater point to this life than living a nice life. We will be a demonstration of the glory of God.
IN DEED – Think of that. When all is said and done, we will be even more than shiny trophies on God’s mantel. We will be children who look like Him, apples who fell very close to the tree. As He is radiant, so will we be. As He is merciful and compassionate, so will we be. As He is glorified, so are we. The reflection will deepen and brighten for all eternity. Our lives could have no greater purpose. “Fire transforms all things it touches into its own nature. . . . In the same way, we are transformed into [the likeness of] God.” – Meister Eckhart (in “Worship the King” by Chris Tiegreen)

Many Christians are thankful to be saved by Jesus “Just As I Am,” but many lack sufficient desire to be “More Like Jesus” and even fewer desire to fulfill our role, which is to “Make Me a Blessing.” Every Sunday we sing to such songs during worship or listen to them via Spotify the rest of the week. But do we really desire to reflect their lyrics?
Take your top five Christian songs – or if you want, just your top five (including secular) songs – and ask yourself, “Do the lyrics really reflect my purpose and desire for life?” In response to this thought exercise, either commit to the Lord to be transformed to be more like Him, or choose songs more appropriate that lifts you above your current state to reflect God’s eternal and abundant life for you. You may find more of God’s promises being fulfilled in your life as you are transformed by the Holy Spirit daily. Have a blessed week! – from Singapore, Pastor Sam