What do you want to become when you grow up? That’s the question you are asked over and over again growing up. For a time, I wanted to be a police officer, fireman, astronaut, or any other hero that had my attention for a while. When I was in middle school, I could draw the best Garfield or Snoopy out of anyone in my class, so surely I was to become an artist when I grew up! When I got into high school, I loved math and figures; so naturally, I would become a math teacher. Leaving for college, I realized that I loved budgets and finance and number crunching, so off I went to become an accountant. While in college, I followed God’s leading toward vocational ministry. Even then, though, I realized that my vocation didn’t define what I’m to become.

I’m to become like God.

That seems almost arrogant to write. However, that is exactly what we’ve been called to do. As a Christian, I have been made new through the saving grace of Jesus Christ. As a part of that transforming process, we have been designed to model the character of God. Check out what we find in Ephesians 4…

22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:22-24

Whether I’m a police man, a math teacher, or youth pastor my goal is the same… to become like the creator. Now, don’t get me wrong. My goal is not for power or prestige. My goal is to model the character of God by living the way He would. Fortunately for us, He has given us a model in the form of Jesus Christ. Philippians 2 charges us to imitate Christ. It’s in Him that we find our belonging, our purpose, and who we are to become.

The process of becoming like Christ is a never ending process. It’s a lifelong journey of living out what we find in Scripture to model our lives after Him. No matter where we are on this journey, may we all recognize together that our primary goal is not to become a teacher, an artist, or an accountant (fill in the blank with your occupation). Our primary goal as a follower of Jesus Christ is to become like Him. May that be what defines us.