I’ve often thought about well-known people and how they became “famous.” The Queen of England, various presidents, Mother Teresa, Benjamin Franklin, and even Jesus’ mother – Mary. What did they focused on? How did they spent their time? What experiences forged their character? Each person must learn how to become. So, are you becoming you?
Becoming You
There is no greater privilege and challenge than becoming you. This process increases joy and results in maturity as you embrace your journey. In fact, only when you take ownership of this life development are you fully becoming you. And a statement of hope – it’s not on the other side of this process you gain confidence to be yourself. It’s in the process! On the journey. While it’s not yet finished.
That should encourage you – because no one is finished. Everyone is “becoming.” So, you can confidently fully engage becoming you.
Behind, With, In Front
“Behind, with, and in front” is an unusual idea. But it’s quite exciting – even critical – while learning how to become the person God created you to be. Scriptures give wonderful counsel in each of these ideas: Behind, With, In Front. Let’s look.
Behind
“Behind” carries a flavor of “not being on time.” But that’s not the meaning in this context. Is. 30:21 says, “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’ “ What an assuring statement. The person seeking the Lord with all their heart, hears His sweet voice behind, giving counsel and guidance.
Since God also leads, “behind” can also suggests a word picture of ‘walking into the future – backwards – by faith. Remembering God’s faithfulness means you can literally approach issues without seeing beyond your nose. Connected to Jesus, you respond well.
Interestingly, walking closely “behind” the Lord, you are also more concerned about your relationship with God.
So, “behind” is a really good place to be when becoming you!
With
Remember the name we talked about at Christmas? Emmanuel. This special name given to Baby Christ means, “God With Us!” Since you have a Companion, Friend, and Brother, you are never alone. God promises, “Never will I leave you. Never will I forsake you.” (Heb. 13:5b, and many other Scriptures)
Because of His Spirit – a gift to every believer when Jesus returned to Heaven – you can be sure Jesus is with you. But – are you with Him? You are in His presence, but is He in your presence? Are you conscious of His active power and love filling your daily life? Every person is in God’s presence, but only a few choose to invite God into their presence.
Think of it this way. As a parent or teacher, a child playing in the yard is still in your presence as you watch over them. But they are likely not aware of you. So you are not in their presence.
So, make a conscious choice to be “with” the Lord every moment while becoming you.
In Front
Just because you hear God’s voice “behind” you doesn’t mean you are the leader. God is the One leading, guiding, preparing a path for your feet. As you follow, one step at a time, you are safe. And something else happens.
You become a leader. The more you step back and let Jesus lead you, even in daily details, the more prepared and practiced you become as a leader. You grow to see important parameters and details. You gain critical experience through humble connection with others. Finally, you also conclude – leading is not about you; it’s about bringing others to know, love, and follow Jesus.
So, “in front” is a place of humility and wisdom when becoming you!
You Must Participate In Becoming You
“Becoming” takes up the entirety of your life. Consider that statement!
Everything you think, say, do, and experience filters into your life and affects who you are. Two things in particular greatly influence becoming you:
- What you focus on.
- Where you set your perspective.
I found a wonderful psalm that addresses this idea. Ps. 135:15-18 says, “The idols of the nations are silver and gold, made by human hands. They have mouths, but cannot speak, eyes, but cannot see. They have ears, but cannot hear, nor is there breath in their mouths. Those who make them will be like them, and so will all who trust in them.”
“Those who make them will be like them, and so will all who trust in them.” Fascinating! So, what you focus on and where you set your perspective really matters! Whether you choose to walk with and worship God – or not – really matters.
This should have powerful impact while becoming you.
Idols – What Are They, Really?
It would be safe to say an idol is anything that captivates your heart, mind, time, and attention. It’s what you think about – A LOT! You can’t get it out of your mind. For some people, it’s what they live for.
So, really, an idol is not what we commonly think of today. It’s much more than a wooden, steel forged, clay-formed, hand-made thing! It can be –
- a career
- an event
- a person
- ideas or concepts
- a goal
- a reputation
- an achievement or aspiration
- even a very good thing.
But every idol is something that competes for God’s place in your heart.
Because this is a heart thing, it’s critical to manage your heart pensively. How impossible to simply “follow your dream” and stay balanced and healthy. You need God in the center of your life, career, events, relationships, your ideas, every goal, your achievements, and aspirations.
God needs to be your First, Most, and Best! And you are the only one who can decide that’s how it will be as you are becoming you!
Becoming You – Not Your Idol
According to the passage we quoted previously, Ps. 135:15-18, idols cannot speak, see, or hear. Ancient idols people worshipped were formed by someone’s hand. They quite literally were made “person-like” – with a mouth, eyes, and ears. Scripture says their mouths cannot speak any wisdom. Their eyes cannot see you or your needs, let alone your future. And they cannot hear when you cry out for help.
You don’t want to become like them!
The “kicker” of this passage? The person who spends time with whatever has their heart – becomes like that passion. If it’s the wrong crowd of friends, you become like them. If it’s a career that doesn’t represent your morals, skill sets, or abilities – you conform to that particular business. Even a habit displeasing to God starts to “own” you. The examples are endless. It could be a sport, hobby, or food. Perhaps it’s a retirement dream.
So, your focus and perspective are incredibly important and need to be centered on God. Become like Him as you are becoming you!
Become More Like God
The more you focus on your passion for God, the more you become like Him. Scripture would argue that anything outside God will make you less than you are created to be. Outside God, you will become –
- Unable to speak the messages God intended your life to announce.
- Unable to see anything beyond what has captured your passions.
- And unable to hear anything except your own thoughts, values, and agenda.
The scary version? As you pursue anything outside God, you’ll become increasingly like the person you worship most – yourself. Why? Because if you’re not pursuing God, you’re pursuing your own agenda. This sad path is the enemy’s deceptive plan to bring you down.
So, in becoming you, increasingly go after more of Christ.
God’s desire is for you to become like Jesus. The more you speak, see, and hear what God values, the more you will resemble Christ. Your words will be wisdom as you see into issues and problems in ways to manage and solve them. Humility will mark your disposition. And you will hear deeper needs in others.
The icing on the cake is this. You will truly become comfortable in your own skin becoming you!
Your Influence In Becoming You
Consider the resolve of the psalmist. “I will not enter my house or go to my bed, I will allow no sleep to my eyes or slumber to my eyelids, till I find a place for the Lord, a dwelling for the Mighty One of Jacob.” (Ps. 132:3-5)
When Jesus came as Emmanuel and Savior, He declared His home would be the hearts of people who believe on Him. You are His dwelling place. So – don’t come or go . . . don’t lay down or get up . . . don’t do anything without first remembering Christ, the Mighty One, who lives in you.
Application Questions
- Are you becoming a good version of you?
- Do you practice “behind, with, and in front?”
- What is your focus?
- Where have you set your perspective?
- Are there any idols you need to get rid of?
- How effectively are you wielding your influence over becoming you?
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