But what is it that we push so hard for and give so much of our selves for…
I desire to be a better wife and mother, a better sister and in-law…a better gramma.I desire to become greater in my spiritual walk so that the world sees Jesus in me.I want to become.
I yearn to be the kind of Christian whose walk illustrates the ways of God and draws others closer to him as I draw closer to him.I desire to have a love relationship with the Father and Creator that can only come through a constant and obedient ‘faith’ walk.I am becoming.
Jesus said to his disciples “You are the light of the world…” (Matt. 5:14)How do I become a light in such a dark place?The Bible also tells me that your (God’s) word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path (Psalm119:105); so, knowing this, I have assurance that I do not have to fear the darkness or go off the righteous path of God and onto the wayward path of sin.However, without his word, the light, I might easily be prompted to go in the wrong direction. When you live the word, you shine the light that cannot be hidden … and others notice.Yet, be cautious not to be prideful - for the very reason you are shining for God is to bring praise and honor to him not attention to yourself.I want to be a light that shines on the truth of the word.I will endeavor to become.
To BECOME – I have to be willing to grow in areas of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22, 23). I can be self disciplined enough to know that I must grow in these areas but it is the Holy Spirit that will produce these characteristics in me.Paul also instructs us in II Corinthians 6:6 to add purity and understanding to that list.Turn to Ephesians 4:2, 3 and you can add humility and unity to the inventory of godly traits.Look ahead to Ephesians 5:9 and you will see that righteousness and truth are part of the roster and finally jump over to Colossians and read 3:12-15 to add compassion, bearing each other, forgiveness and thankfulness. It is a process…I’m in the process of becoming.
You may have recognized these characteristics as the fruits of the Spirit of God…it is not suggested that we add these things to our daily walk, we are to live, using these traits of God in our lives - daily.It is expected that as born again believers in the family of God that we act out God’s love and care every day, to everyone, in all that we do.Keep in mind that these things do not all come easily.For instance you may have the spirit of mercy but not of patience.You may be good and gentle but lack in self control and temper.Whatever you combinations – keep on becoming!
I haven’t forgotten that there is another list that people desire to become:rich, pretty, famous, talented, etc.If you are struggling to become any of those things that in themselves have no fault but can stunt your spiritual growth or keep you from a deep love relationship with God, then I implore you to stand back and look at the big picture.Your peace will not come from money or vanity or status or ability…it will come through Jesus Christ alone.
As Paul urged the church at Ephesus, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. (Eph. 4:1)
As I become…
...I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name.I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge – that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:14-19 (NIV)
Walking in Peace / division of C.O.P.E. Women's Ministries Sue Puff, author