“Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is” (1John 3:2).
As soon as we are born again/born from above, we start the growth process – unto His likeness. The end goal of our growth is to be like Him.
When that day comes, we will be like Him. No doubt about that!
Two reasons for this assurance:
-the Word of God. 1John 3:2
-the physical necessity. 1Corinthians 15:50
The daily goal of our growth is to become like Him.
Daily growth has an effect on our daily lives and, in turn, it spills out into our family/church/community. “This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone” (Titus 3: 8).
We are on the right path for growth when we have the same attitude as Paul.
“Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known” (1Cor 13:12). Note what Paul is saying.
Now we see but a poor reflection…now I know in part…Paul had the courage to admit that he only knew in part…that we only see dimly.
I believe the path to growth starts with the acknowledgment that no matter how hard we try, we will only know in part.
The good news is that God made clear the things that are crucial for our salvation. All the other things; all the details; all the apparent contradictions will be made clear at His coming.
While we wait for that glorious day when we will be like Him (1John 3:2), we are encouraged to grow into His likeness.