Becoming More Like Christ in a Fractured World
Dear Reader,
We are living in a time when uncertainty, insecurity, and relational strife seem to define our daily lives. These challenges often leave us
questioning: How can I become the person I was created to be when life feels so fractured?
The answer lies in the transformative work of spiritual formation. It is not about striving harder or doing more. It is about becoming—growing into the image of Christ through His grace, wisdom, and Spirit.
This newsletter, The Deep Dive, is designed to be your companion on this journey. Each month, we’ll explore how to navigate life’s deepest currents with the kind of encouragement, insight, and practical tools that many of us long for but seldom find in today’s church.
This isn’t about quick fixes or shallow inspiration. It’s about real change—rooted in God’s Word, empowered by His Spirit, and lived out in relationship with others.
Let’s dive in together.
Grace and peace,
Rob Jackson
Why This Newsletter?
In today’s fast-paced and fractured world, it’s easy to feel spiritually adrift. Churches often focus on surface-level solutions—programs, activities, or temporary fixes—but what about the deep, lasting transformation we all hunger for?
The Deep Dive exists to fill that gap.
This is more than a newsletter; it’s a companion for your journey of Christ-centered spiritual formation. Each month, you’ll receive:
- Encouragement to navigate life’s challenges with faith and resilience.
- Practical Tools to integrate spiritual growth into your daily life.
- Sustaining Insights to keep you grounded and growing, even in uncertain times.
Whether you’re seeking peace in the storm, clarity in the chaos, or wisdom to navigate difficult relationships, The Deep Dive is here to help you go beyond surface-level faith into a deeper, more integrated life with Christ.
One prayer that has guided countless people through times of uncertainty is the Serenity Prayer. In my journey, I’ve found it helpful to reflect deeply on its meaning and adapt it for a fresh perspective. In an upcoming blog post, I’ll share my revised version of the Serenity Prayer and how it can guide us toward greater trust in God. Be sure to look out for it!
Let this newsletter be a place where you feel equipped, encouraged, and empowered to become more like Christ—one step, one month, and one transformation at a time.
The Need for Spiritual Formation in a Fractured World
We’ve all felt it—the gnawing uncertainty that clouds our days, the quiet (or loud) insecurities that haunt us, and the relational rifts that seem unbridgeable. These aren’t new struggles, but they have taken on a pervasive and almost normalized presence in our lives.
So, how do we respond as followers of Christ?
For many, the temptation is to retreat, to manage our pain, or to simply go through the motions. But Christ calls us to something far deeper: “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2).
The Pain Points of Our Time
I frequently have people tell me about their concerns, fears, and heartaches. Here are three I hear the most often:
- Uncertainty: In a world that feels out of control, we search for anchors.
- Personal Insecurities: Social comparison, fear of failure, and self-doubt erode our confidence.
- Relational Rifts: Families, churches, and friendships are divided by misunderstandings, hurt, and unmet expectations.
These struggles reveal a deeper truth: we need formation, not just information. We need Christ’s character formed in us—not as a task to accomplish, but as the natural outflow of walking with Him.
What Is Spiritual Formation?
Spiritual formation is the process of becoming more like Christ in thought, character, and action. It is not about perfection—it’s about transformation.
Dallas Willard described it as “the Spirit-driven process of forming the inner world of the human self in such a way that it becomes like the inner being of Christ himself.”
This journey begins with recognizing our brokenness and inviting God into every layer of our lives:
- Our thoughts.
- Our emotions.
- Our desires.
- Our relationships.
It’s a journey beneath the surface—into the “iceberg” of our identity.
The Role of Pain in Formation
Pain, though unwelcome, is often the catalyst for growth. Henri Nouwen reminds us, “The great illusion of leadership is to think that man can be led out of the desert by someone who has never been there.”
The challenges we face—uncertainty, insecurity, and rifts—become opportunities to turn to Christ, to trust His work in the hidden places of our hearts, and to allow His Spirit to reshape us.
Three Steps to Begin Your Formation Journey
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Create Space:
- Spend 5 minutes each morning in silence before God.
- Simply invite Him into your day and ask, “Lord, how can I be more like Christ today?”
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Reflect on Scripture:
- This month, meditate on Galatians 4:19: “My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you.”
- Write down one way you sense Christ calling you to grow.
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Practice One New Habit:
- Identify one small action you can take to model Christ’s love in your relationships.
- Example: Commit to listening more and speaking less in conversations.
Reflection & Prayer
“Lord, shape my heart into the image of Your Son. In my uncertainty, be my anchor. In my insecurity, remind me of Your love. In my broken relationships, teach me to offer grace. Transform me from the inside out, so that I may reflect Your love and light to a hurting world.”
Commentary: Reflections from the Deck
Uncertainty and the Desire for Control
We live in a world obsessed with control. From carefully curated social media feeds to meticulously detailed 10-year plans, we cling to the illusion that we can control our lives. But when uncertainty strikes—whether it’s a health scare, a job loss, or a relational fracture—we are reminded of a sobering truth: our control is limited, at best, and illusory, at worst.
The Bible doesn’t shy away from uncertainty. In fact, uncertainty is a central theme in many of the greatest stories of faith. Abraham left his homeland, not knowing where he was going. Joseph endured years of injustice without understanding the purpose behind his suffering. Mary was thrust into a divine plan that shattered her expectations for her life. Yet, in each case, God used uncertainty to draw His people into deeper trust.
Uncertainty, as uncomfortable as it feels, is often an invitation. It invites us to loosen our grip on control and place our trust in the One who holds all things together.
Practical Takeaway
This week, consider one area of uncertainty in your life. Instead of asking, “How can I fix this?” ask, “How can I trust God more deeply in this?” Write down a short prayer of surrender, asking God to replace your fear with faith and your need for control with confidence in His plan.
Closing Reflection
As you consider this month’s reflections on uncertainty and spiritual formation, take heart. Transformation is a process, and Christ is with you every step of the way. Trust Him in the uncertainty, and watch as He works all things for good in your life.
We look forward to continuing this journey with you. Don’t forget to join our live Q&A this month and share your thoughts or questions. Until next time, grace and peace be with you.
Rob Jackson
Founder and Lead Coach
Icebergology Coaching Academy
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