When Christ Takes Shape in Us

Galatians 4:19 (NASB95) – “My children, with whom I am again in labor until Christ is formed in you—”

Every day, something is shaping us. Our habits shape us. Our choices shape us. Our struggles shape us. Even the things we keep thinking about begin to form something inside us. So the real question is not, “Am I being shaped?” The real question is, “What is being formed in me?”

That was Paul’s concern for the believers in Galatia. They had received Christ by faith, but false teachers were pulling them back toward legalism and outward religion. Paul was not satisfied that they had simply started well. His burden was deeper than that. He wanted Christ to be formed in them.

To say that Christ is formed in us means more than becoming more religious. It means that the character of Jesus begins to show in our lives. His humility starts shaping our pride. His patience starts shaping our temper. His love starts shaping the way we treat others. His obedience starts shaping our decisions.

This kind of change does not happen overnight. It is a work of the Spirit from the inside out. Sometimes we want God to quickly change our situation, but God often wants to deeply change our hearts first. Before He does a greater work through us, He wants to do His deeper work in us.

That is why we must keep surrendering to Him. We must resist the patterns of this world and allow God’s truth to renew our minds. We do not read Scripture only to gain information. We read it so that our lives may be transformed.

So today, ask the Lord: What are You shaping in me right now? And then yield yourself to His gracious work.

Prayer:

Lord, thank You for not giving up on me. Continue Your deep work in my heart. Form the character of Christ in me. Renew my mind, shape my desires, and help me surrender every part of my life to You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.