While on one of our many recent road trips, we stopped for a break and meal. Across the dining area from us sat a pair at a table for two. They were seated in front of a window, facing each other, which highlighted their nearly identical profiles. It was easy to tell that a mother and her grown son were sharing lunch together.
Their obvious family resemblance brought to my mind one of Amy Grant’s earliest hits, “My Father’s Eyes,” written by Gary Chapman. The lyrics spoke of a desire to emulate her heavenly Father, to be recognized by the ways she shared His compassionate perspective. “My Father’s Eyes” made it on a catchy tune and clever wording, but the song articulated a good spiritual truth too. Christians are called to look like Christ.
In fact, Jesus made a strikingly strong statement: “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” (Matthew 5:48) But the Bible also often explains that no human is sinless. Pairing the two ideas, we realize the Christian should aim to grow to be more like God, to attain the “Father’s eyes,” as Grant sang. Scriptures describe a gradual process, sanctification, which God’s Holy Spirit renders within believers. (John 17:17, Ephesians 4:12, Philippians 3:12) A large part of growing to be more like God also requires personally knowing God more. Regularly reading the Bible, God’s handbook for us, and fellowshipping and worshipping with other believers (the church) will develop that stronger resemblance to our heavenly Father. “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:6
