We are passing through turbulent times, and we need to make a profound, godly impact on the nations and in our marketplaces. How do we become like Christ in this world?

For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified. (Romans 8:29-30)

God predestined us to be conformed to the likeness of Christ. We are also predestined to be justified and glorified with Him. In other words, God created us to reflect His image to the world. The goal of this life is to look like Jesus. Sin distorts the image. What can we do to conform to the image of Christ?

1. Living out our intended purpose requires a process that His Spirit works in us.

To look like God to the world, we must be full of Him in ever-increasing measure. Predestination means that God ordained a future reality for our lives. Jesus has already prepared the way, we need only to surrender to His restoration process, which began when we accepted Christ as Savior. We need to build on that foundation; it is a maturing process with God. We need to stay on-board the train until we reach our destination.

2. Sanctification is the work of the Holy Spirit.

We are each a work in progress, as the Holy Spirit works in us to set us apart. But we must learn to be sensitive to His voice and allow Him to lead us into holiness before God.

But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16 for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:15)

All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure. (1 John 3:3)

We are all the children of God who are called to be holy like our Heavenly Father whose name and image we bear. Sanctification is built on the foundation of our faith in God. Let us build on a strong foundation so that when the enemy attempts to shake our faith, we are able to stand confidently on solid ground. How big is God in your mind? Determine that nothing is impossible for your God, and frame your thoughts around that truth. Then, be a marathon runner, believing that with Him, you can finish the race.

3. Your commitment is essential.

Never lose sight of your goal. Your outcome will be determined by your commitment to God.

4. Build your foundation on the Rock, not the sand.

Our lives must be unified with God. He is the Rock of our salvation and our Refuge.

You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. (1 Thessalonians 1:6)

We are called to be imitators of Christ, following Him. Thus, the transformation process begins.

And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. (2 Corinthians 3:18)

The Holy Spirit works in us daily, slowly transforming us into His image. We need to evaluate our lives by looking into the mirror of His Word. Do we reflect His image? Let us continually submit ourselves to change until we see the glory of God shining on our faces. Sanctification is a process from the inside out.