What you Become

Back in the 1990s, I was a Registered Nurse working for a home health company. I had many rural patients to visit. To fill the silence on those long drives out to "the country," I listened to cassette tapes in my car. Remember those? Motivational speaker Jim Rohn was my favorite speaker to listen to on tape. While Mr. Rohn has since gone home to be with the Lord, one of His quotes continues to influence me to this day:

"The important question to ask on the job is not, "What am I getting here?" Instead, you should ask, "What am I becoming here? The greatest success in life comes not in what you get, but in what you become."

As believers in Jesus, is not our heart's desire to become more like Him? Mr. Rohn also said, "Don't just try to get through the day; strive to get from the day!" I believe that many of our negative habits are formed when we worry about just getting through the day. These habits become our way of moving through life - a way to occupy our daily time. But how would your life change if you became intentional about seeking God's kingdom daily - focusing on getting from the day instead of just getting through the day? Romans 14:17 says:

"for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit."

• Eating and drinking are focused on getting.
• Righteousness, peace, and joy are all about becoming.

If you want to become the person that God wants you to be, I have 3 scriptures to meditate upon that will point you in the right direction. 1. Redeem your time. Colossians 31 says, "Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time." In one year, you have the gift of 5,840 waking hours. At the start of each day, ask the Lord to teach you to redeem these hours in ways that glorify Him. As we obey God's word through the power of the Holy Spirit, we operate in His wisdom. As we operate in wisdom, we will reflect Christ-like character before others and draw them to our Savior. 2. Develop in Wisdom and understanding. One of my favorite passages in the Old Testament is Deuteronomy 4:5-7. In the passage, Moses says:

“Surely I have taught you statutes and judgments, just as the Lord my God commanded me, that you should act according to them in the land which you go to possess. Therefore be careful to observe them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples who will hear all these statutes, and say, ‘Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people. For what great nation is there that has God so near to it, as the Lord our God is to us, for whatever reason we may call upon Him?’

God's word and His Spirit working in us will develop us in wisdom and understanding. Proverbs 9:10 says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." Fear of the Lord is simply respecting, honoring, and reverencing the Lord enough to do what He says. In the process, we don't just learn about God's acts; we learn about God's ways! 3. Bear good fruit for God's glory. Galatians 5:22-23 shows us the evidence of God's spirit at work within us: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law." These are all Godly character traits - not about getting, but becoming. Jesus said in John 15:8, "By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples." When we follow the Holy Spirit, we can have confidence that one or more of these character traits will manifest as a result of that decision! To me, it's always a good practice to inquire about the long-term outcome when making hard decisions. It will be a God-honoring decision if it is consistent with Spiritual fruit ultimately:

• Is it loving?
• Will peace result?
• Will joy result?
• Does it reflect patience?
• Is it kind?
• Does it reflect God's goodness?
• Does it reflect faithfulness?
• Is it gentle?
• Does it reflect self-control?

This is even true in practicing wise health habits. While self-discipline establishes the "track" that we run on each day, self-control helps stay on track and minimize those things that would take us off of that track! Take a hard look at your life right now and your time on Earth thus far. You are on assignment here and someday, you will return to the "Home office."

• Has your focus been on: "What am I getting here?"
• If so, make the shift to: "What am I becoming here?"

When you allow the Holy Spirit to lead you in your daily decisions, you can be confident that you are becoming a person made in the glorious image of our Lord and Savior! Be blessed in health, healing and wholeness, Kimberly Taylor Author/Christian Life Coach of the Take Back Your Temple program P.S. Do you love the person you are becoming? I hope so! Each day can be an exciting one as you make decisions that lead you to the person you dream of becoming. Let the Take Back Your Temple program be your guide to reaching your health goals so you can have the strength, energy, and vitality you need to fulfill your God-given purpose. Click here to learn more about the Take Back Your Temple program.