Once we begin to be and what that means

As we deepen our relationship with God, we begin to be who God created us to be. Last week’s blog reminds us how important it is to become that new creation in Christ. It makes me think of 2 Corinthians 4:6 where God tells us that he “made his light shine in our hearts…” It’s exciting to think that God gave us this light and that light not only dwelt among us (Jesus the Emmanuel) but also dwells within us. Exciting stuff if you ask me! This “becoming” all that God created us to be will lead us to new places. It has for me anyway.

As I move into all that God has for me, I find myself doing new things. One, I want to encourage others, especially in their relationship with God. Two, I want to shine my light in places I’ve never been before. Three, I enjoy the mentor/mentee role. And even when I think I’m the one doing the teaching, I always seem to be learning from the other party. Four, I love being apart of something bigger than myself. But even in all of this, I get to choose whether I want to participate in God’s work or not. That’s the beauty of it. God does not pushed Himself upon us. God just is. “I AM who I AM” 

All this ‘becoming’ led me to serve breakfast and lunch to a group of homeless women one Saturday morning. I thought I’d help out because, well, it feels good to give back. Surprisingly, every time I help, I get something. While serving up hot potato soup and pimento cheese sandwiches, I overheard one woman talking about her love of singing. Intrigued, I quickly grabbed my sandwich and plopped down next to her. Her eyes began to twinkle, as she reminisced about her days of vocal lessons and performances.

Later in the day, as I cleaned up the tables, she thanked me for the meal and asked what she owed me. Quickly I replied, “just a song”. Graciously, she rose to her feet as if she had performed a 100 times before. Maybe she had. Chills ran up and down my spine, as she sang the most beautiful country song I had ever heard. In those moments, I saw her heart and I felt her pain. (here’s the link, if you want to hear it). With tears in our eyes, I asked if I could hug her. As we embraced, I thanked her for sharing her gift with me. I felt as if her light got a little brighter that day. I know mine did.

As we acknowledge God within us, we begin to be;

• who God created us to be; Jeremiah 1:5 NIV says, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart;
• the light; Matthew 5:16 says, “let your light shine before others”
• an encourager; 1 Thessalonians 5:11 says, “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up”
• a mentor to others; Proverb 27:17 NLT says, “As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.”
• the body of Christ; 1 Corinthians 12:27 NIV says, “Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.”
• the kingdom of God on earth; Luke 17:21, KJV says, “the kingdom of God is within you.”

Just by recognizing God within us, our light will shine a little brighter. That brighter light will encourage you to encourage others. We are apart of the body of Christ and we carry that light into the world. That light is the Kingdom of God, within me and within you. We all have it. We carry it everywhere we go. Be the light of the world. Become who God created you to be and embrace all that God has in store for you.

Let us pray: God of light and love, forgive me for resisting you. Help me to become all that you would have me be and lead me to new places where I can shine your light. In Jesus Name, Amen. -M