	Bob Hostetler > Devotions

A Growing Resemblance

by Bob Hostetler

"We know that when he appears, we shall be like him" (I John 3:2b, NIV).

The final chapel service at the Christian seminary I had attended occurred after the graduation ceremonies, and it was an emotional service. It became even more emotional as the faculty members lined the wall of the sanctuary in a receiving line to say their farewells to each graduating student on the way out of the service. Many students, upon leaving that room, would immediately steer a loaded moving van to a distant destination.

I choked back tears as I said goodbye to each of my instructors. Finally, however, I approached the man I loved and respected more than all the others, a godly man in his fifties who had been my mentor, and the image to me of what a Christian man should be.

I gripped his hand in mine and spoke in a voice choked with emotion. "When I grow up," I said, only half joking, "I want to be just like you." He didn't crack a smile. He held my hand in his for a long moment and locked gazes with me.

"Oh," he said seriously, "you must aim much higher than that."

He was right, of course. We all must aim much higher than to imitate mere men and women. We are called to become like Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.

Prayer: Father God, help me, as I grow and mature, to become more and more like your Son.

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