God has given us more than a picture of what our character should look like by giving us Jesus as the example. However, no matter how much determination and human effort we put into being like Jesus, we fall far short. In Romans, Paul writes that God wants us to be conformed to the image of his Son. That’s a tall order and one that is humanly impossible. That’s the whole point! We are not capable of becoming like Christ from the outside in; it must happen from the inside out.

Scriptures
Romans 8:29-30; John 15:1-2; John 15:4-5

Verse
“Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me.” John 15:4

Thought
In Nascar each driver is connected to a crew chief that talks him through each race. The crew chief sees ahead; he sees debris in the road, an accident, and problems on the track and gives the driver guidance for maneuvering the car through whatever lies ahead. In the same way, we receive guidance and insight through our connection with Jesus Christ. By abiding in him and staying connected to the source of our strength and wisdom, we can face life’s road with confidence. We can navigate anything with God’s resources.

Questions
Is Jesus your crew chief? Are you connected to God through a growing relationship with Jesus Christ? Is your life producing the fruit of character as God desires for you?

Response
Look at your life and be honest about where you are connected. If you need to make a new connection with Christ or strengthen the one you have, take the steps needed so you can be nourished by the one true vine…Jesus Christ. Submit to God’s conforming plan!

Prayer
Help me to grow more and more connected to you each day, Lord. Work in and through my life so that I can bear fruit, and conform me to the image of Jesus. I know that apart from you I cannot navigate. Teach me to abide in you each moment of each day until your will is fully complete in me when I spend eternity with you. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.