Becoming Christlike: Loving God With All You AreEsimerkki

> “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to divide soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” - Hebrews 4:12 (NRSV) # THE WORD AND SPIRIT OF CHRIST ENTER IN American culture is fascinated by renovation stories. We only have to view our TV guides to see contractors, chefs, counselors, or coaches working on renovating and transforming homes, meals, or people into what could be considered spectacular. In each case, these professionals rely on certain tools to achieve the desired changes and outcomes—tools, knives, programs, and diets are used to achieve transformation. Similarly, the Spirit of God uses the Word of God as a tool to transform our hearts, minds, and souls into the most spectacular thing of all: the image of Christ. On this path of renovation, there is no tool more helpful than regularly engaging with the truth of God’s Word. As we encounter the Word of God, the Spirit of God convicts us of sinful actions and intentions, directs our paths, strengthens our love, increases our faith, gives us wisdom, and calls us to obedience to the standard of Christ. > “We can choose to take in the Word of God, and when we do that, beliefs and feelings will be steadily pulled in a godly direction.” - Dallas Willard This submission of our lives to Holy Scripture and the Holy Spirit is the most basic path of spiritual transformation. > “To take the ‘information’ of the Scripture into a mind thinking straight under the direction and empowerment of the Holy Spirit . . . is to place our feet solidly on the high road of spiritual formation under God.” - Dallas Willard ## REFLECTION When reading today’s Scripture, consider which thoughts or intentions the Word of God may be calling out in your life. Submit those to the Spirit as you seek to be transformed into the image of Christ. ## PRAYER Spirit of the living God, You know me more fully than I know myself. Illuminate for me today the Word of God so that it may shine a light on any grievous way within me. Then help me surrender it to You, and restore me into the image of Christ Jesus, in whose name I pray. Amen.