Recent golf lessons have not caused anyone to mistake me for Tiger Woods. Watching golf tournaments on television and reading golf magazines have not helped much either. But that has not dissuaded me from trying to imitate Tiger. In fact, on a par 3 hole, a tee shot left me several feet from the hole. As I walked to the green, I thought how much like Tiger Woods this must feel. However, I missed the short putt and was left deflated…not an unusual feeling for me while playing golf.

Trying to imitate Tiger Woods is, indeed, difficult but I continue to try! However, I have found it impossible to imitate Jesus. Though I have great desire to be like Him, possess His Character and exhibit His Compassion, trying to imitate Jesus is unachievable. Mercy, love and grace just don’t come naturally to me even when I try.

But amazingly I can look like Jesus with the help of His Spirit dwelling in me in spite of my massive shortcomings. The Apostle Paul, talking about those who follow Jesus, gives me hope, saying,:

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

I may not be able to imitate Jesus but I can be more and more like Him as His Spirit lives in me. Join me this week in yielding to the work of the Spirit in our lives.

 

Sharing the journey with you,

Bob Snyder