In a hymn expressing his strong desire to reflect the character of God, Thomas Chisholm wrote: “Oh to be like Thee, full of compassion, loving, forgiving, tender and kind, helping the helpless, cheering the fainting, seeking the wand’ring sinner to find. Oh to be like Thee, Oh! To be like Thee, Blessed Redeemer, pure as Thou art; Come in thy sweetness, come in thy fullness; Stamp thine own image deep on my heart.” Like Chisholm, the writer of Psalm 86 expressed the same idea when he wrote, “Teach me your ways, O LORD that I may live according to your truth! Grant me purity of heart, so that I may honor you. With all my heart I will praise you, O Lord my God. I will give glory to your name forever, for your love for me is very great.” None of us can match God’s perfect purity, but since we are created in God’s image, the more we meditate on His character, the more we become like Him in our thoughts, our words, and our deeds.
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr.
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr. is the founder and chairman of UMI (Urban Ministries, Inc.). Under his direction, UMI has grown to be a leading publisher of Christian education resources for churches in the African American community. Read More
