Christlike

“The life-giving Spirit of God will hover over him, the Spirit that brings wisdom and understanding, The Spirit that gives direction and builds strength, the Spirit that instills knowledge and Fear-of-God.” (Isaiah 11:2 NIV)

The above prophecy from the book of Isaiah describes the coming Messiah. The Spirit of God gives wisdom, understanding, direction, knowledge, reverence, and strength. These traits are so valuable that it would make everyone want to be Christlike.

“He was despised and rejected--a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief. We turned our backs on him and looked the other way. He was despised, and we did not care.” (Isaiah 53:3 NLT)

The prophecy that Christ would be a suffering servant is also found in the book of Isaiah. Jesus was despised and rejected, acquainted with the deepest grief. He suffered because of our weaknesses. He was punished for our transgressions. He was whipped so we could be healed.

Many of us who desire to follow Christ get weak in the knees at the thought of suffering. This is the point where we want to turn back, to find an easier road. Yet, the path to Christlikeness is paved with hardship, rejection, sorrow, and pain. Those who pass through it develop holiness, endurance, patience, humility, and empathy. They learn to lean on God. Suffering whittles away the superfluous until the Divine is revealed in us.