More Like the Master

“More Like the Master” is a deeply devotional hymn written by Charles H. Gabriel, one of the most prolific gospel songwriters of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. First published in 1906, this hymn expresses the Christian’s desire to grow in Christlikeness. It is not merely about moral improvement or good behavior, but about spiritual transformation — the kind of inner change that reflects the character of Jesus Christ in thought, word, and deed. Gabriel’s hymn captures the longing of every sincere believer to mirror the life and love of the Savior.

The structure of the hymn is a series of personal supplications to the Lord Jesus. Each stanza begins with the phrase “More like the Master,” reinforcing the central theme of Christlikeness. In the first verse, the singer pleads for a heart filled with wisdom and kindness, echoing the gentleness and righteousness of Jesus. It is a request for an internal change that reflects outwardly — to speak, act, and feel as Christ would. The line “More of His meekness, more humility” reflects Matthew 11:29, where Christ describes Himself as “meek and lowly in heart.”

The second verse shifts to the Master’s care for the lost and needy. The prayer is that the believer might be more compassionate and sacrificial, “bearing the burdens of the weak.” This is the outworking of Christlike love — not just a feeling, but an active service. The desire is not simply to follow Christ from afar, but to live out His love in practical ways, echoing Galatians 6:2, “Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.”

The third and final verse is perhaps the most personal and intense, seeking a heart that is wholly yielded to God. “Take Thou my heart, I would be Thine alone” is a prayer of full consecration. It implies surrender of the will, affections, and life to the Lord — a devotion that results in increasing likeness to Christ. It mirrors Romans 12:1, the believer’s call to present the body as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto God.

Gabriel’s melody for this hymn is solemn yet tender, providing a fitting atmosphere for introspection and consecration. Its emotional simplicity makes it accessible for congregational singing, while its devotional depth lends itself to quiet times of prayer and spiritual renewal. The hymn was widely included in early 20th-century revival hymnals and is still appreciated today for its honest reflection of the Christian journey toward sanctification.

“More Like the Master” is more than just a hymn of aspiration; it is a prayer that recognizes the gap between the believer and the Savior — and trusts the Holy Spirit to bridge it. It affirms that becoming like Christ is not a one-time event but a lifelong process of surrender, obedience, and transformation. With its heart-centered lyrics and humble tone, the hymn reminds the worshiper that true holiness begins not with outward conformity, but with an inward change wrought by the presence of Christ.