I Would Be Like Jesus
Words: James Rowe (b. Jan. 1, 1865; d. Nov. 10, 1933)
Music: Bentley Deforest Ackley (b. Sept. 27, 1872; d. Sept. 3, 1958)
(Stanza numbers in brackets below refer to the stanza number in The Cyber Hymnal. Find the link at the bottom of the article.)
In the beginning, man was created in the image of God (Gen. 1:26-27). But that image was marred and distorted by sin. Through the work of salvation, and the ongoing work of the indwelling Holy Spirit in the believer’s life, that image is being restored. As we cooperate with God’s work in us, He reproduces the character qualities of Christ. “Whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son” (Rom. 8:29).
While we’re on earth, it’s a process–and not always an easy one. Paul wrote in Galatians, “My little children…I labour in birth again until Christ is formed in you” (Gal. 4:19). And he warned the Ephesians away from a worldly walk, saying, “You have not so learned Christ” (Eph. 4:20, cf. vs. 17-19). Boldly, he told the Corinthians, “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ” (I Cor. 11:1). The devil uses the siren call of the world to draw us away from God’s purpose. But, like Moses, we are called to reject “the passing pleasures of sin” (Heb. 11:24-26).
(1) Earthly pleasures vainly call me;
I would be like Jesus;
Nothing worldly shall enthrall me;
I would be like Jesus.
Be like Jesus, this my song,
In the home and in the throng;
Be like Jesus, all day long!
I would be like Jesus.
Though it is an oversimplification, there is an element of truth in the expression, “Saved to serve.” “We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them” (Eph. 2:10).
To accomplish these works to the glory of God will require that we crave and nurture the kind of servant’s heart demonstrated by the Lord Jesus. The exhortation, “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 2:5), is followed by a reminder that this humble servant’s attitude took Christ to the cross (vs. 8). “For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps” (I Pet. 2:21).
(2) He has broken every fetter,
I would be like Jesus;
That my soul may serve Him better,
I would be like Jesus.
(3) All the way from earth to glory,
I would be like Jesus;
Telling o’er and o’er the story,
I would be like Jesus.
A significant part of our service is our witness for Christ. We’re to be “always ready to give a defense [an answer] to everyone who asks [us] a reason for the hope that is in [us]” (I Pet. 3:15). In God’s good time, we’ll be called into His presence and rewarded for our faithful service (Rev. 22:12). But the greatest joy of all will be to hear the Lord’s, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matt. 25:21).
(4) That in heaven He may meet me,
I would be like Jesus;
That His words “Well done” may greet me,
I would be like Jesus.
Questions:
- If it’s true that we are “saved to serve,” can you also think of other reasons God saves us?
- What kind of worldly things can threaten to “enthrall” (captivate and enslave) us (I Jn. 2:15-17)?
Links:
- 10 November 1933 – James Rowe Died
- I Would Be Like Jesus (The Cyber Hymnal)