journey onWord with us

Fascinating are the words by Soren Kierkegaard, “Now, with God’s help, I shall become myself.” Another insightful and thoughtful comment can be found in John Ortberg’s wonderful book, The Life You’ve Always Wanted. He states that, “I am called to be the person God had in mind when he originally designed me.” Although the statements above are thought-provoking, are they true? Do you believe that Creator God is really that concerned about your unique design and ultimate purpose? I woke up yesterday (Father’s Day) focused on my inadequacy in matching my life with many of the disciplines of life I believe the Father wants for me. So I asked myself (and now I ask you) the question, “How shall I become myself?”

Far from robotic followers, our Father has created us to be unique and diverse. If you are a Christ-follower, I believe there is a you that God wants you to be. I am not sure how much he cares about bearded or clean-shaven, short or tall, green or blue-eyed, Caucasian or Asian, but He definitely cares about the role He wants us to play for His kingdom. And therefore, we are challenged to surrender our wills to His, and learn to live in His freedom. I can say with confidence that He wants you to be Spirit-filled, others-centered and willing to move from your comfort zone for His purpose. But how do we begin to approach what He has in mind for us? Let’s take two verses as a starting point.

Ephesians 2:10
For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Philippians 2:13
For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. 

It is important to understand that the verses above are speaking about individuals who have accepted the gift of salvation through faith. You have turned from darkness to light and are now secure in Christ. Note that we are “created in Christ Jesus to do good works”. The evidence of your relationship with Christ is the good works that follow. Becoming the you of God’s design will certainly include fruit from the relationship. Imperfect but forgiven, we have a role to play as ambassadors for Christ. God’s design for you was settled long before there was a you. He knows each of us intimately, and has a specific and unique plan for each of us to fulfill. Can you believe with me that the plan is His, and our submitted lives and resulting good works honor Him?

As I “become myself,” I will sense that God is working in me for His good purpose. And the energy to accomplish this purpose will come only from Him. So many Christ-followers get caught up in trying to “act according to his good purpose,” without growing in their faith. Seek and submit to Him daily, and rest in the assurance that He will work in you. When our Father is working in our lives, there is energy … and His results.

In Christ, you are unique, gifted, and created for His mission. If you really believe that you are called to be the person God had in mind when He originally designed you, then you must believe that God is on your side in directing you to good works, and His good purpose. Even though I woke up yesterday fretting about the disciplines I am not accomplishing, I want to become myself … the unique design that God has only for me.

Only you and God can genuinely determine if you are moving toward the person of God’s unique design. Remember that eternity is effected when you and I become the man or woman He designed us to be.  I strongly encourage you bow and pray right now, “God I am willing to become myself.”