What practical steps help us embody the "image of the heavenly"? Setting the Foundation: The Promise of a Heavenly Image 1 Corinthians 15:49 declares, “And just as we have borne the image of the earthly, so also shall we bear the image of the heavenly.” Because this promise is sure, we can take intentional, practical steps to display that future reality right now. Step 1: Begin with the New Birth • “No one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.” (John 3:3) • Trust Christ as Savior and Lord, receiving a new heart (2 Corinthians 5:17). Practical move: Confess sin, believe the gospel, and publicly identify with Christ through baptism. Step 2: Immerse Your Mind in God’s Word • “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (Romans 12:2) • “Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you.” (Colossians 3:16) Practical moves: - Schedule daily Bible reading. - Memorize key passages that shape thinking toward heaven’s values. Step 3: Walk by the Spirit, Not the Flesh • “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16) • Spirit-produced fruit (Galatians 5:22-23) mirrors the heavenly image. Practical moves: - Start each day yielding control to the Spirit. - Quickly confess and forsake sin when conviction comes. Step 4: Pursue Holiness in Daily Choices • “Be holy in all you do, for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’” (1 Peter 1:15-16) Practical moves: - Evaluate entertainment, relationships, and habits through the lens of holiness. - Replace compromising situations with godly alternatives. Step 5: Love as Christ Loved • “A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you.” (John 13:34) • “If God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” (1 John 4:11) Practical moves: - Practice sacrificial acts—serve without expecting return. - Extend forgiveness promptly, reflecting Christ’s mercy. Step 6: Fix Your Hope on the Resurrection • “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” (Colossians 3:2) • “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast… knowing that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:58) Practical moves: - Regularly meditate on future resurrection promises. - Let eternal perspective shape budgeting, career choices, and use of time. Step 7: Join in Christ-Centered Community • “Let us consider how to spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” (Hebrews 10:24-25) Practical moves: - Commit to a Bible-believing church. - Share life in small groups where mutual encouragement and accountability flourish. Step 8: Serve as Stewards of God’s Grace • “Each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve others.” (1 Peter 4:10) Practical moves: - Identify spiritual gifts and natural talents. - Plug into ministries that meet real needs at home, church, and community. Step 9: Guard the Tongue and Attitudes • “Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths.” (Ephesians 4:29) • “Do everything without complaining or arguing.” (Philippians 2:14-15) Practical moves: - Pause before speaking; filter words through love and truth. - Cultivate gratitude lists to combat negativity. Step 10: Live Missionally—Reflect the Heavenly to the Earthly • “You are the light of the world… let your light shine before men.” (Matthew 5:14-16) • “We are ambassadors for Christ.” (2 Corinthians 5:20) Practical moves: - Share the gospel naturally in everyday conversations. - Model integrity at work, school, and home, making the unseen kingdom visible. By embracing these steps, we progressively display the likeness we are destined to carry forever—the glorious image of the heavenly. |
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