By Pastor Uche Ezeanya

Galatians 2:20 “My old identity has been co-crucified with Christ and no longer lives. And now the essence of this new life is no longer mine, for the Anointed One lives his life through me—we live in union as one! My new life is empowered by the faith of the Son of God who loves me so much that he gave himself for me, dispensing his life into mine!”

God wants the very best for us. We are the objects of His love. God’s purpose is to take you from slavery to sonship. Living by the rules and laws of the world takes you back to slavery, so it is important that you live by faith. Becoming like Christ brings about freedom from the bondage of the old man.

Colossians 2:6-10 says ” ⁶ Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, walk in [union with] Him [reflecting His character in the things you do and say—living lives that lead others away from sin], ⁷ having been deeply rooted [in Him] and now being continually built up in Him and [becoming increasingly more] established ^a]”>[a]in your faith, just as you were taught, and overflowing in it with gratitude. ⁸ See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception [pseudo-intellectual babble], according to the tradition [and musings] of mere men, following the ^b]”>[b]elementary principles of this world, rather than following [the truth—the teachings of] Christ. ⁹ For in Him all the fullness of Deity (the Godhead) dwells in bodily form [completely expressing the divine essence of God]. ¹⁰ And in Him you have been made complete [achieving spiritual stature through Christ], and He is the head over all rule and authority [of every angelic and earthly power].”

The problem with the present believer is that they do not want to hear the truth and would rather stick to listening to sugar-coated messages. The more you hear the word of God, the more established you are in faith. In Christ, you are complete, so stay with the word of God that can transform you. 

As earthly vessels, we carry a treasure deep within us. This treasure is Christ! The glory of God is revealed from the inside of you. From the moment you gave your life to Christ, God gives an inner revelation of Christ to you. Until that inner revelation is formed, you cannot really look like Christ. Christ must be formed in you so that when people look at you, they can only see Christ and get their lives transformed through what they see in you. You must come to a point where your consciousness is that you talk, walk, and live like Christ.

God’s desire is that we are conformed to the image of Christ and that we grow in Him. As a believer, your desire should not be self-inclined but dependent on God.

Galatians 2:20 says “My old identity has been co-crucified with Christ and no longer lives. And now the essence of this new life is no longer mine, for the Anointed One lives his life through me—we live in union as one! My new life is empowered by the faith of the Son of God who loves me so much that he gave himself for me, dispensing his life into mine!”.

Because Christ lives in you, your Christian life should not be a matter of imitating or walking like Christ but that you allow Him to live His life through you. Let Christ be magnified in you no matter the situation you find yourself in. Be fully conformed to the image of Christ and nothing less.

Romans 12:2 says “And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be ^a]”>[a]transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you].”

Through the renewal of your mind, you mature spiritually. The more you study and know God’s word, the more transformed your life becomes. The word of God will help Christ to be completely conformed in you. You have been predestined to conform to the image of Christ ever before you were born. Your destiny is to be conformed to the image of Christ.

Romans 8:28-29 says “²⁸ And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose. ²⁹ For those whom He foreknew [and loved and chose beforehand], He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son [and ultimately share in His complete sanctification], so that He would be the firstborn [the most beloved and honored] among many believers.”

You are created by God and all you must do is please Him. Your goal is to become like Christ and have all His perfection.  Becoming like Christ is not situated on your own strength but by the Spirit of God resident on the inside of you. Reliance on the Spirit of God and fellowship with the word of God is the key!

Philippians 2:13 “For it is [not your strength, but it is] ^[c]God who is effectively at work in you, both to will and to work [that is, strengthening, energizing, and creating in you the longing and the ability to fulfill your purpose] for His good pleasure.”

Pastor Uche Ezeanya is a serving Pastor at Fountain Of The Living Word Church, New Jersey.