A New You

"Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is." -1 John 3:2

Everywhere I turn the world shouts, "Improve yourself!" "Exercise your body!" "Strengthen your heart!" "Cosmetic surgery is your answer to a better you!" "Education will make you more valuable!"

You can't walk into a bookstore, today, and avoid seeing racks upon racks of books and magazines in the "self improvement" section. The last time I wandered through that bookstore section, oddly enough, one book was missing - the most important self-improvement book ever written - the Bible!

Whenever I feel a little down and in need of some self improvement, I know it's time to have another read of 1 John 3:2: "Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is."

Have you ever wondered what the "real you" is like? The real you that you have never seen before? The real you that is locked up inside? The real you that God will reveal you to be when you see Him face to face? All your flaws, and aches, and pains, and fears erased with His loving eraser. That's worth waiting for!

So, what of this frail and often broken down body and mind I'm stuck in today, you might ask? Think of your body as a dress rehearsal suit, for this life of a mere 100 years, more or less, is simply a dress rehearsal for eternity with Jesus. Our job here is simple - to worship God with all our hearts, and to love our neighbors as ourselves.

So, how's your dress rehearsal coming along?

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PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, I worship You and glorify Your name, today. Teach me to love my neighbor as You have commanded, to love them as much as I love myself. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

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If you could improve yourself in one way, what would that be? If you stood before God today, describe what the "real you" would be like with all your flaws erased?

Written by Jim Penner