Even though we wandered from God, He has made a way through Christ’s sacrifice and the Spirit’s indwelling for us to be fully restored to the Manufacturer’s original design. We will experience this through gradual, daily transformation in this life (and the more we cooperate, the greater will be that growth) and then one day we will be exactly like He is. 

God created men and women at the earliest dawn. We are the height of God’s creation, and He made us like no other being. The design of man and his purpose are summed up in one simple verse.
Let us make man in Our image and let him rule… over all the earth (Genesis 1:26)
We were made like no other creature, with a soul and a spirit, so that we might be just like God. And He designed us on purpose, with a purpose: that we might rule over the earth with Him.
Here is the foundational truth about us. Read the following sentence several times.
He made us like He is so we can do what He does!
John’s Testimony
The beloved Apostle, John, testifies in his first letter that God sent Jesus to restore us to God’s original design even though man fell and was separated from God. Christ’s payment for our sins on the cross and our trust in Him brought us back to God. And at the moment of our salvation, He comes to literally live in us through His Spirit. We can now fulfill God’s original purpose. He now says this about true followers of Christ.
“As He is, so also are we in this world.” (1 Jn. 4:17)
We are a “little lower than God,” the Psalmist said (Psalm 8:5), and in our redeemed condition, we have the capacity to rule over this world. Before we were restored to Christ, the world, the flesh, and the devil ruled over us. We were powerless to overcome them. But then, God saved us by His grace and came to indwell us. This transformed us, giving us what we needed to fulfill the original design.
We can allow the world, our flesh, and the devil to rule over us if we are not wise and cooperating with God.
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Each day and experience is designed by our Father to “work together for good” and accomplish His purpose to “conform us to the image of His Son.” But the most dramatic metamorphosis will come soon when we are transported out of this sin-wrecked place, either through death or Christ’s soon-coming. John states that “we do not know what we will be like,” but there is something breathtaking that we do know: “We know that we will be like Him!” (vs. 2)

See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God; and such we are. For this reason the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is. And everyone who has this hope fixed on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure. (1 John 3:1-3)
It’s an honor for me to be J.T. Elliff’s son. Admittedly, he chose to have children but he didn’t know quite what he was getting when he got me. But it has been my honor and joy, for almost 73 years now, to be the son of J.T. and Jewell Elliff.
With God the Father, it is different. God knew EXACTLY what He was getting—warts and all—when He brought me into His family. What is amazing is that, for some reason, He chose me to be His son. When you stop and ponder this for a moment, it’s one of the most humbling, awe-inspiring truths in the world.
We’re Different
The Elliff family is different. Some would even say, “weird!” But we are who we are, made so by a combination of genetics, life experiences, backgrounds, heritage, and a massive dose of God’s grace.
Those of us who are God’s children are not like the rest of the world. God inhabits us.
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If you knew the world was going to end tomorrow, what would you do? Many people believe multiple things must happen before this ending occurs. But regardless of your interpretation of the end times, THIS final end is sure, and Peter speaks as if it could come anytime. We must come to Christ—fully and deeply—and prepare ourselves. We must live in light of the end, in holiness, godliness, peace with God and others, and blameless lives (which can only happen through our dependence upon Christ). 

There is an end to this world. It’s coming. No one knows the day or hour, but it will happen as sure as we are breathing. The Scripture is very clear about this, as was Christ Himself.
The apostle Peter describes it clearly in 2 Peter 3. He tells us what we need to know to realize it is coming and how we should prepare. So, what will happen at the end of time, and what should we do in light of its coming?
1. SCOFFERS WILL DENY IT BECAUSE IT HASN’T HAPPENED YET.
Know this first of all, that in the last days mockers will come with their mocking, following after their own lusts, and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all continues just as it was from the beginning of creation.” (Vs. 3-4)
You may be in that group. But Peter gives the immediate rebuttal to this argument. He reminds them God created the world, God destroyed the world by water (in Noah’s day), and this world is now destined to be destroyed by fire (Verses 5-7). He (and only He) has the power to accomplish this.
God is sovereign over this world. It exists because of Him and will be destroyed by Him, just as He promised. And that destruction will be His judgment upon His enemy, Satan (who has temporary authority in this world), and all men who have rejected Him.
2. GOD’S TIMING IS PERFECT AND PATIENT
Those who deny this ending don’t understand God’s relation to time. He is withholding this judgment for a season in His mercy so that many can come to repentance.
With the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day. The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance. (Vs. 8-9)
3. IT WILL COME SUDDENLY AND THE WORLD WILL BE DESTROYED WITH INTENSE HEAT
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Satan will try intensely to divert your gaze. He will make you feel there’s no time to do such nonsense as to “meditate” on God when all the problems are so pressing. When there are so many “interesting and important” things to look at. So many things more “entertaining.” But refuse his demonic temptations. Mature, Presence-centered men and women have learned to find their center in heaven at the foot of the Throne all day long. 

What do you do when …

The world is going crazy?
The culture has lost its mind?
There seems to be chaos and anarchy all around us?
Evil men seem to be prospering?
All of this is affecting you and your family?
Your heart is gripped with fear at where it is going?
Personal tragedy comes your way?
You’re in a problem that seems to have no resolution?
You are confused about God and what He seems to be doing, or not doing?
You feel overwhelmed and defeated?
You are in deep grief?

The man or woman you are or will become is determined by where you look. The eyes of your heart determine the condition of your soul. The Psalmist gives us a model. He looked up.
PSALM 77
10 So I say, “I am grieved that the right hand of the Most High has changed.”
11 I will remember the Lord’s works; yes, I will remember your ancient wonders.
12 I will reflect on all you have done and meditate on your actions.
13 God, your way is holy. What god is great like God?
14 You are the God who works wonders. You revealed Your strength among the peoples.
15 With power You redeemed Your people, the descendants of Jacob and Joseph.
Notice the verbs that describe his deliberate actions. Each of these takes time and intentionality.

I will REMEMBER (twice)
I will REFLECT
I will MEDITATE

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Proverbs says that wise discretion will keep your foot from stumbling, and you will walk securely. It will bring you life and be an “adornment to your neck,” i.e., it will grace you with the right spiritual and moral clothing. An indiscreet woman or man loses their spiritual and moral beauty and descends to the lowest rung.

Keep sound wisdom and discretion, so they will be life to your soul and adornment to your neck. Then you will walk in your way securely and your foot will not stumble. (Proverbs 3:21-23)
How important is discretion? It is not a word often used or a trait often seen in our society.
The 1828 Webster’s Dictionary defines it this way:

Prudence, or knowledge and prudence; that discernment which enables a person to judge critically of what is correct and proper, united with caution; excellent discernment and judgment, directed by circumspection, and primarily regarding ones own conduct.

The origin of the Hebrew word is “loose conduct, lewdness.” An indiscreet man doesn’t pay careful attention to his life, speech, and conduct. He has few boundaries. The Hebrew word carries a sexual meaning.
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We could not atone for our sins. Our seemingly good works could not resolve the crisis. Only Christ’s substitutionary death would accomplish the necessary atonement. Once accomplished on the cross, there was no need for any other work to be done.

It is one thing for us to have come to the knowledge of our sin and need for Christ on our own … to have figured this out by our ability.
But that is not how this happened. It was God’s initiative and action. The proof of this is that Paul reminds us of our true condition: We were dead in our trespasses and sin and entirely under Satan’s domination. It’s impossible for a dead man to accomplish anything (Ephesians 2:1-5).
Look what Christ did when we were utterly helpless to remedy our separation from God.
“For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit.” (1 Peter 3:18)
“CHRIST ALSO DIED FOR SINS”
We could not atone for our sins. Our seemingly good works could not resolve the crisis. Only Christ’s substitutionary death would accomplish the necessary atonement
“ONCE FOR ALL”
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This is not merely a nice poetic statement about God; it is a present reality for all who seek His empowerment in times of need. Over and over again now, for several years, I have prayed, “Lord, I have no strength to do what is needed. But you live in me. Would you be my strength? Fill me with Yourself and flow through me in power, and I will be careful to give You the glory for what You have done.” 

You discover God’s attributes as you need them. You may not comprehend the depth of God’s provision until you find yourself in physical need. His care becomes real to you when you are hurting and desperate for His tender shepherding. These parts of God’s nature become real and precious as you experience them and, once experienced, you never see God quite the same.
His Strength
I’ve been through a few years of physical problems that have taken my strength and stamina. Because of multiple problems, one of which was persistent anemia, I spent many days with little energy … and I had much to do. I couldn’t just quit and sit down when there were important ministry demands.
In these years, I have learned of the inexhaustible supply of God’s strength. He IS my strength; He is all I need whenever I need it. His strength has become one of the things I praise Him for most frequently. I have even, by God’s grace, been able to “glory in my weakness” because of the fresh experiences of God’s power.
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Pastors are men gifted by God and given to the church for the teaching and care of His very own flock, and they must approach their task with high regard and a holy life worth imitating. Only God can give pastors the grace to lead faithfully, but He can and has now for thousands of years. And those who do their job faithfully will one day be rewarded by the Great Shepherd and Guardian of our souls.

What is a spiritual leader in a church? Is it just a nice job? A good career? Something to do if you can’t really do anything else? Some people of whom not much is required who casually help others? How should we view pastors and spiritual leaders and how should they view themselves? But, more importantly, how does GOD view them?
Hebrews 13:7, 17-18 gives us insight.
Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith.
Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you. Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a good conscience, desiring to conduct ourselves honorably in all things.
Spiritual Leaders Must Be Imitatable
The pastor is human and will fail, but he must be above reproach and have a life worth imitating. Others are following and his character is his highest asset in leadership. This is why when Paul is reminding us of the qualifications of elders/pastors/overseers in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1, he doesn’t list SKILLS but 22 CHARACTER TRAITS and says that pastors “must be” these things. They are not an option, for the church will rise no higher in godliness than her pastors.
Spiritual Leaders Must Keep Watch over Souls
Pastors are responsible, like a literal shepherd with his flock to “keep watch” over the souls of those under their care. A pastor must “know well the condition of his flock and pay attention to his herds” (Proverbs 27:23). And he is to oversee them constantly and tend to their life and growth. This is a strong word that means to “stay alert, pass sleepless nights, stay watchful without falling asleep.” Spiritual shepherds are not watching over a flock for their own financial gain, but over the “souls” (the mind, emotions, wills and inner lives) of those entrusted to their care.
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The Spirit of God comes to live in every true Christian the moment they believe. God’s great gift is to give us His own Spirit with such nearness that He is always accessible. Many believers don’t know of His indwelling. They have the Divine engine in the car but never turn the key through dependency and prayer. They face life with the insipid resources of mere humanity. No demand is made upon a believer’s life that is not made upon the Spirit within them. 

No one likes to admit their weakness, but doing so is the first step to power. It’s the height of pride to never acknowledge your inability, but it’s the pathway to real strength to do so.
Do you need strength?

Emotional strength to handle a loss or a tough situation? A fractured relationship? A daunting task? When faced with a relentless enemy?
Physical strength to get up and do the next right thing? To keep going in the face of pain or pressure? Just to make it through the day in the face of waning physical abilities?
Spiritual strength to continue in an area where you have consistently failed? To overcome sin? To do a demanding ministry task? To persevere when you want to give up?

I find myself there often. Admitting our weakness is not a sign of failure. In fact, it’s the necessary step to receiving God’s empowerment.
The Apostle Paul (one of the mightiest men in history who served under great suffering) was constantly admitting his need. He prayed this for the Ephesian believers.
That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man. (Ephesians 3:16)
The Source
That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory …
Paul knew that only One could give them (and him) what was needed.
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Look at your calendar and your checkbook. How you spend your time and your resources is a great indicator of what you think is most important. Evaluate everything else in light of the value of experiencing Christ’s presence—walking and talking with Him every day—and rest in the most important thing.

Everyone has values, the things they feel are important. What most don’t realize is that their values determine the direction of their lives. They will always pursue what they think is most significant.
Over the years, I have watched men with wonderful families, good reputations, and excellent careers throw these all way because they became deceived. They thought something else—an adulterous relationship, for instance—was more valuable. Their reasoning goes out the window when their values are skewed.
Surpassing Value
Paul helps us with this. For many years, he was a man with twisted values until he met Christ on a Damascus road. His eyes were opened, and he realized the truth. The matured apostle writes these words at the end of his life.
More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ. (Philippians 3:8)
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