What do you want to be when you grow up?

The title of this blog reflects the numerous times I've asked my kids what they would like to be when they grow up. I've received responses from them such as, "I want to be a doctor, or a veterinarian." I've even heard, "I want to be a school crossing guard." The idea of what I wanted to be when I was a child conjures up some feelings of nostalgia. I always wanted to play professional baseball. As a kid I would dream of being the pitcher who would throw the final strike to win the world series, or the slugger who would win the game for the home team in the bottom of the ninth inning with a walk-off home run. But as the realization of those dreams fade as I grow older, I put my life in perspective and realize that my life is not an accident or a bundle of shattered dreams. When I accepted Jesus Christ as my personal Lord and Saviour my life received a sense of real purpose. It's more than a nine-to-five job or pursuing what this world has to offer. I have realized that as I continue to "grow-up" in Christ what my purpose, focus, and mission is while I live this life that has been given to me. My focus, as well as yours, should be an active pursuit of becoming like Christ.

Genesis 1:27 says, "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him, male and female he created them." (NIV).**

God's image: Being made in the image of God confers on us dignity, entrusts us with a sense of responsibility, and it also creates in us a certain potential, specifically to mirror our Creator. As Christians, what Jesus did on the cross for us (redemption/restoration of relationship to God) has greatly increased this capacity to be more like Him.*

Ephesians 2:10 says, "For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." (NIV).**

The Geek language that is used for "workmanship" carries a connotation of being a "work of art" prepared by God. How awesome is that! We are a work of art created by God! Let that sink in for a minute.

We are a work of art that God desires to use to fulfill His purpose while we are here in this world today.

Matthew 22: 37-40 says, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." (NIV)**

In case you're still wondering what you are supposed to be when you grow up; the answer should be obvious: We have been created in His image, as a work of art, and our purpose is to Love God with all of our heart, mind, and strength and to love our neighbor as we do ourselves.

I offer up a three point challenge to you:

1. Love God. Jesus Christ paid the ultimate price to free us from the bondage of sin and death. My finite mind has trouble comprehending all that God has done for me, but all He asks of me is that I actively love Him.
2. Love yourself. I would challenge you to reflect on who you are in the sight of God. Realize that you are God's "work of art"; precious and beautiful in His sight.
3. Love your neighbor. Ask God to give you eyes to see people as He sees them; remember you also were lost without Jesus once.

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* Walton, John H. The NIV Application Commentary: Genesis (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2001).

** Holy Bible, New International Version.