Faith

How to Become

by Curt Klingeman
08/23/20
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Have you ever asked yourself, “How am I ever going to become who God desires me to be?” The answer to that question is actually simple, uncomplicated and is not a platitude: believe! Believe you are who He says you are, and you can do what He says you can do. Everything falls into place from there. Well actually, He has already put everything in place.
   If you try to become that person on your own, you will be doing so by your own methods, according to your own perceptions, and by dead works. Anything done apart from faith is just that: dead. People are constantly trying to reinvent themselves, and when they make progress or perhaps come to some sort of “self-actualization,” they find themselves still feeling empty and unfilled. Moreover, there’s that good old imposter syndrome lurking in their minds. Why? Because they followed their own design, instead of submitting to the one our Maker has for them.
   Do you ever wonder why people pretend to be something or someone they’re not, or are so self-deceived they believe they’re something other than themselves? A number of them come across egotistic or arrogant, which is nothing more than insecurity wearing a mask. They are in an identity crises. They have no clue who they are, so they try to manufacture an identity that fits their idea of perfection. Of course, such perfection is unobtainable, which makes it worse. Many love to see them fail, because of their said ego and arrogance. Phonies can be spotted a mile off, and people love to expose them.
   Getting back to belief: have you ever watched a bird fly, I mean watch it intently? It does so with grace and agility. It chirps, and sings beautifully. It does what it’s designed to do. The bird is being a bird, it’s not trying become one; it simply is one! When you believe you’re who God says you are, you’re free to be and act accordingly. You don’t get stuck in your head. We’ll touch on a couple aspects of your identity in a moment. Birds aren’t busy trying to prove they’re birds, they already know it and don’t feel the need to convince others. When you know who you are in Jesus Christ, you’ll have no need to prove it to anyone else. You won’t feel the need to buy the t-shirt that says, “I’m a Christian.” You’re free to buy one because you simply like the design of the shirt and/or want to encourage others by wearing it. By the way, a sparrow doesn’t pretend to be an eagle. It’s fine being “just a sparrow.” The sparrow is just as important as the eagle.
   So, what about this becoming business? Is the ideal Christian holy and righteous? What do you have to do to be holy and righteous? Believe!
   Romans 3:21-22 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference.
   Ephesians 4:24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness (see also Romans 13:14; 2 Corinthians 5:17, 21).
   As you study the Bible, you will discover you are righteous and holy in Jesus Christ. You will never be able establish your own righteousness and holiness. By trying to do so, you fall from grace (see Galatians chapters 3-5). Faith in Jesus alone makes you righteous; it was never about being a “good Christian.”
If you want to do the things found in His Word, believe! Actions, miracles, healings and the like follow belief.
   John 7:37-39 In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto Me, and drink. He that believeth on Me, as the Scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake He of the Spirit, which they that believe on Him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)
   Mark 16:17-18 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In My Name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
   The being and doing are found in Jesus Christ. Basically, people think and act according to their beliefs. If you believe you have to become good enough, you’ll never be good enough. Your thoughts and actions will follow suit. You’ll find yourself falling just short every time. And that my friend can be very discouraging. On the other, when you realize it’s by God’s grace through faith you’re righteous and holy, you’ll find the freedom to simply be the new sanctified you! Everything follows belief, and that means God gets all the glory. Believe!

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