Striving to become more like God.

Have you taken the time to ponder the great thoughts found in this one verse? Filled with superlatives, it is the greatest 25-word sentence ever written. It speaks of “God” (the greatest being), “so” (the greatest degree), “loved” (the greatest motive), “the world” (the greatest number), “that he gave his only son” (the greatest gift), “that whosoever” (the greatest distribution), “believes in him” (the greatest faith), “shall not perish” (the greatest human tragedy), “but have everlasting life” (the greatest human blessing). Could anyone take this verse seriously and not want to become more like God?

Is it ever too late to read, understand, mediate on, believe and obey the word of God? Isn’t it true that as long as we live, we can “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ”? (2 Peter 3:18). It is never too late to enjoy the blessing of “delighting in the law of the Lord” and “meditating on his law day and night” (Psalm 1:2). After the Apostle Paul had been a believer for over 25 years, had evangelized for Christ throughout the Mediterranean world, had written letters that are now in the New Testament and was probably in his 60’s, his goal in life was still to love and know Christ more and more (Philippians 3:10, continual present tense). He kept moving forward because he had not yet arrived at his goal (3:12). Comparing himself to an athlete running a race and striving toward the finish line, he wrote, “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (3:14). He “pressed on” as long as he lived. He adds that all who are mature will take that same view of things (3:15).

Wherever you are in life, and whatever the condition of your faith or non-faith, there is always room for growth and love for God. No one now or in the eternal world can ever exhaust the greatness of God. There’s always room for more and more of God in all of us.