Growing in the image of God implies a heartfelt desire for God to become an integral part of every day of your life. In growing in His image, you so integrate your life with Him that you cannot help but change, as you become a reflection of Him and His Word, HIS precepts, and righteousness. However, such growth is a spiritual blessing that comes only as His Holy Spirit anoints your faith, and not through your own efforts. Through faith and service come the outward manifestation of a deeper inner connection, after surrendering yourself through your brokenness and submission to His will, His way, and His timing. In growing in God's image, you are changed into His new creation and increasingly experience His peace, wisdom, and understanding. In growing in His image, the lines separating your life from His and that of all other creatures of His creation fade away. In becoming His heir, you are also growing in a new stewardship of righteousness to do what He has chosen you to do. In the discovery of yourself in relation to God and His plan, you learn the peace and freedom of a life that says, "Thy will, not mine."
