Hymn Reflection #15– Oh, to Be Like Thee

• Oh! to be like Thee, blessed Redeemer,
  This is my constant longing and prayer;
  Gladly I’ll forfeit all of earth’s treasures,
  Jesus, Thy perfect likeness to wear.
  • Refrain:
    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.
• 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, lowly in spirit,
  Holy and harmless, patient and brave;
  Meekly enduring cruel reproaches,
  Willing to suffer, others to save.
• Oh! to be like Thee, Lord, I am coming,
  Now to receive th’ anointing divine;
  All that I am and have I am bringing,
  Lord, from this moment all shall be Thine.
• Oh! to be like Thee, while I am pleading,
  Pour out Thy Spirit, fill with Thy love,
  Make me a temple meet for Thy dwelling,
  Fit me for life and Heaven above.

Written by: Thomas O. Chisholm

This was my Grandma’s favorite hymn, so I wanted to share it with you today. We sung it at the funeral. My friends, does it challenge you to be more like Jesus? Is our constant longing and prayer to talk, think and be like our Lord? Can we say we will give up everything to serve Jesus? My Grandma lived her life so that we could see that she took this hymn to heart and practiced it daily. May we be challenged today to be holy, humble, patient, brave, meek, forgiving, tender and kind. To take to heart the examples of godly saints who have gone on before but have left such a beautiful testimony and legacy. I can say it has challenged me and I hope it can be an encouragement and help to someone.

Lord, fit us for Thy holy place above. Help us to be careful with the physical temple you have given us. Help us to use our talents and gifts for your glory. Give us the courage to lay all at your feet and keep nothing for ourselves. Make us holy, loving, usable and mold-able vessels.

For Thine is the Kingdom and the Power and the Glory for Ever. Amen!