Are We Aiming for God-Likeness or Godliness?

Where does your mind go when you see these two words next to each other?

I’ve been thinking about them for a couple weeks now, and how closely they can be confused with one another if we’re not careful.

In her book, “Hard is not the Same Thing as Bad,” Abbie Halberstadt offers these poignant words in chapter three:

She goes on to explain that our mission to have everything in life easy and under control can actually lead to a vicious cycle of self-indulgence and self-sabotage.

After reading this section, I had to admit there have been plenty of times in my own life when I’ve tried to control situations and their outcomes, or simply taken the easy way out because it was quicker or meant avoiding an uncomfortable reality. 

Sometimes it looks like letting certain behaviors in my children slide because taking the time to correct in the moment is inconvenient.

Other times it might be neglecting my quiet time with God because I really need to get something else done that I’ve already put off. 

On occasion, it can mean scouring the internet to find the best, most natural option for an ailment or stressor instead of first pausing to pray for healing and guidance.

Or the times I’d reach out to a friend in frustration over a situation instead of first considering whether there was something I could have done or said differently, or how I could show Christ’s love and forgiveness in response.

In all of those scenarios, I’m putting myself in the driver’s seat instead of looking to God for wisdom and direction. I’m relying on my own understanding, my own solutions, and my own sense of what’s best.

Hence, god-likeness.

I’m not pausing to consider the encouragement, comfort, guidance, and instruction found in God’s Holy Word. 

I’m not looking for ways God might be trying to refine me or reminding myself that I have an opportunity to make choices that lead to becoming more like Christ Himself.

John 16:33 tells us we’ll have trouble in this life.

But James 1:2-3 encourages us to “Consider it pure joy “ when facing trials because they provide an opportunity to grow in faith and build perseverance. 

No, we don’t need to dance for joy because we’re in actual pain. But we can be thankful there is One who understands our suffering and was tempted in every way, yet did not sin. We can approach Him for mercy and grace in our times of need. (Hebrews 4:15-16)

What about you, friend?

Was there something that came to mind when thinking about god-likeness versus godliness?

Is there an area of life where you tend to take the easy route, even though you know the choice that requires more work is better?

Let’s spend some time in prayer this week, asking God to reveal the areas of life where we’ve taken too many shortcuts. Then let’s humbly ask Him for the strength to make the not-so-easy choice the next time around.

Try putting the apostle Paul’s encouraging words found in Romans 5:3-4 somewhere you’ll see them often:

“Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance;  perseverance, character; and character, hope.”

Growing in godliness often happens through struggle. It’s in those moments we have the opportunity to draw closer to Him, place our hope in His eternal promises, and let go of the easier, earthly things that draw us in the opposite direction.

Father God, thank you for providing a spotless example for us. One who can empathize, show endless compassion, provide grace, and give us strength to walk through hard times. Abba, our human response is to shy away from things that make us uncomfortable or require more work than we feel ready to do. Help us to remember we don’t walk these roads alone. Help us to look to You for wisdom and guidance, and to consider how we can become more like You in every situation. In Your name we pray, Amen.