In our January 2023 Kenny’s Korner article, we asked you to contemplate the question, “What if everyone was like me?” What would that be like? Are you a generous person? A compassionate person? Maybe you're forgiving, loving, or an incredibly joyful person. Possibly, you’re a full-fledged hypocrite? Hopefully, you remember that article and took time to reflect on your behavior. If everyone were like you, would it benefit the world, or would it bring a vision of disaster?

We become accustomed to our surroundings and often miss the obvious. For example, when visitors come to church, what do they see? They see things we no longer notice because we have become familiar with them: a dent in the wall, clutter in the corner, and the need for fresh paint on the ceiling. We, who attend weekly, don't see these things anymore. We often don’t see the necessity for new paint or a deep cleaning, but those improvements need to occur. It’s the same with our homes. We might have become so used to a mess or a needed repair that we no longer notice it. We don’t see it, but others do.

And so it goes with each of us. We've become so accustomed to our bad habits: things we say, possible racial slurs, unkind remarks, rude actions, and many other things, that we fail to see who we really are. It’s time we take a deeper look – at ourselves.

While each of us has good qualities, we also have flaws. No one is perfect, and the Bible warns us about the one who looks at himself too highly.

Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight. - Isaiah 5:21

Sadly, this verse describes many of us. So, take a deeper look at yourself, and you’ll hopefully see blemishes you’ve buried deep within. But often, you and I have become so comfortable with those flaws that we no longer recognize them.

Most of us see problematic characteristics in others, and we can point them out, yet we miss seeing them in ourselves. We have repeated them so often that we don’t see them, even though they likely irritate others. 

What's the best way to recognize your bad behavior? Ask others, but asking is difficult. Why? Because we don’t like criticism or hearing about our destructive behaviors, even when we ask. But the other problem is that other people are sometimes afraid to tell us because they're so scared we will tell them of their flaws.  

Breaking a bad habit is difficult, especially if we think a particular characteristic is cute or maybe we haven't recognized that habit. But habits die slowly. We have ingrained them into our personalities over the years, and it will likely take several years to remove them. Change does not come easily, even when we try, so, let’s get at it.

Now, think again. Do you really want everyone to be like you? Would the world be a better place or a mess? Sadly, the bottom line is that many of you who read this article will pass it off as soon as you’re finished. 

So, do you remember that article from January 2023? Yes? No? Here’s a question that carries more weight. As you look back over the past twelve months, have you broken any of your bad habits or irritating ways? Have you made headway toward improving yourself? Have you even attempted to become a person that looks more like Jesus?

No one can change you but you. It’s each of our personal obligation to become more like Jesus. Jesus did not only come to save us from our sins by dying on the cross, He also came to show us how to live – how to improve ourselves by looking like Him. So, do you exhibit more of the fruit of the Spirit as Paul teaches in Galatians 5:22-23? If Jesus stood before you today, what would He say about your progress?

Change is not a one-and-done job. Instead, it’s a life-long process. It never ends. So, if you took last January’s article to heart, you’re likely seeing an improvement over a year ago. But what if you didn’t take that article to heart, and what if you fail to take this year’s article to heart? What if we run a similar article a year from now? Would you take that as a challenge to commit to becoming more like Jesus? 

We could challenge you. We could make a game out of it. What will it take for you to fully commit to living humbly and loving others as Jesus loves us? Just for the record, we are not challenging you. We are not going to make a game out of it. Why? Because it's not a game. It's serious business. 

We are to live in a never-ending endeavor of improving ourselves, not only to become better people, but to become more like Jesus. And the reward? Not only will others see you as an improved person and enjoy your company. Not only will Jesus see you as a godly follower, but you’ll feel like a new person. It’s beyond understanding how that works, but we'll simply say it's a miracle of God, and you'll enjoy life so much more. And maybe, just maybe, you'll wish everyone could look a little more like you – because you look so much like Jesus.

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. - Galatians 5:22–23.

Love you & Happy New Year Kenny