Meaning: The quote "The steady discipline of intimate friendship with Jesus results in men becoming like Him" by Harry Fosdick, a prominent clergyman, encapsulates the transformative power of a deep, personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Fosdick was a leading figure in the liberal Protestant movement of the early 20th century and was known for his influential sermons and writings on Christian theology and social issues. This particular quote emphasizes the profound impact that cultivating a close, ongoing connection with Jesus can have on an individual's character and spiritual growth.

Fosdick's words reflect the idea that by consistently engaging in a close and intimate friendship with Jesus, individuals can undergo a process of personal transformation, gradually taking on the qualities and attributes of their beloved friend and savior. This concept is deeply rooted in Christian theology and spirituality, drawing from the belief in the redemptive and sanctifying power of Jesus' presence in the lives of believers.

The notion of "intimate friendship with Jesus" implies a relationship that goes beyond mere adherence to religious doctrines or rituals. It speaks to a deep, personal connection characterized by trust, vulnerability, and love. In the Christian tradition, this type of relationship is often cultivated through prayer, meditation on scripture, participation in communal worship, and acts of service inspired by the teachings of Jesus.

The idea that such a friendship can result in individuals "becoming like Him" underscores the transformative potential inherent in this spiritual connection. Central to Christian faith is the belief that Jesus embodies the ideal human life, characterized by qualities such as love, compassion, humility, and moral integrity. By immersing oneself in a close, ongoing relationship with Jesus, individuals are believed to be gradually shaped and molded into His likeness, reflecting His virtues and embodying His teachings in their own lives.

This process of spiritual transformation is often described as "sanctification" in Christian theology, signifying the progressive growth in holiness and conformity to the image of Christ. It is viewed as a cooperative endeavor, in which individuals, empowered by the grace of God, actively participate in their own spiritual formation through the cultivation of virtues and the renunciation of attitudes and behaviors that are inconsistent with the example set by Jesus.

Fosdick's quote also carries implications for the broader Christian community and its collective witness to the world. As individuals are transformed through their intimate friendship with Jesus, the cumulative effect is envisioned as a community of believers who increasingly reflect the character of Christ in their interactions, relationships, and endeavors. This communal embodiment of Jesus' teachings and values is seen as a powerful testimony to the transformative power of the Christian faith and its potential to bring about positive change in the world.

In summary, Harry Fosdick's quote encapsulates the profound impact of cultivating an intimate friendship with Jesus on individual and communal transformation within the Christian tradition. It speaks to the ongoing process of becoming more like Jesus through the steady discipline of spiritual growth, and it underscores the potential for such transformation to extend outward, influencing the broader community of believers and the world at large.