Romans 8:29

"For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers." Romans 8:29

This verse has a lot of big, confusing theological suggestions in it. We're not going to attack those here. The thing I want us to focus on....that has to do with our discipleship them this week is the question, "What were we predestined to be?"

I don't know about you, but I really struggle with comparing myself to others. It has always been a challenge for me. I tend to be insecure about how I dress and do my hair and makeup. I worry about how clean I keep my house, or what kind of food I bring to a gathering. Those things are trivial, but the comparison can still be really defeating.

Some things are a little more major though. I've been grieving this week over someone who was monumental in my spiritual growth as a young adult. He was loved by all who knew him, and had a magnetic personality. He challenged so many in their walk with God, and his life produced much fruit. However, recently, he has made it public that he desires to live a lifestyle completely opposed to the Word of God. It is heart-wrenching. Even worse is that he is justifying his actions from public platforms. I grieve for those who have always looked up to him, that they could be led astray.

That is the danger in trying to be like someone else. People will always fail, somewhere along the line. We can't help it. We are human.

Worse yet, is the prideful feeling that I sometimes get when I think I'm doing better than someone else! How pathetic. It reminds me of my kids. "Well, I didn't get as dirty as he did." Well, the point is, you are very dirty.

So who should we try to look like? The person that we think has it all together? Or the person that always DOES have it altogether. He is beautiful and perfect. Oh, how I want to look like Him!