The weakest excuse for not trying

But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit. -2 Corinthians 3:1

“Well, I’m not Jesus.”

That’s what some people say to excuse themselves when they choose their way over God’s way. Maybe it’s unforgiveness, judgment, or hatred. Maybe it’s being stubborn in acting in such a way that clearly hurts others.

We are not called to be Jesus. We are called to pursue Him, and in doing so, are transformed with each step over our lifetimes into Christlikeness.

So, you’re absolutely right. You’re not Jesus. But as a professed follower, you look to Him as the ultimate role model. Jesus excused our sins by covering them with His blood. He excused us from eternal damnation when He rose from the dead. So what excuse do we have to not live for Him in word, thought, and deed?

Re-form that haughty, dismissive excuse in the spirit of humility and gratitude: “I’m not Jesus, but thank you for showing me where I can work on being more like Him.”

We can weigh ourselves down in our climb up to Christlikeness by burdening ourselves with our attitudes, or we can die to self a little more each day and keep soaring ever upward to God’s glory.