The journey of faith is not about arriving but about becoming — a lifelong process of transformation and growth. The Bible reminds us that when we accept Christ, we begin a journey toward a new life, a journey that reshapes our character, our mind, and our heart. This journey of “becoming” is filled with intentional steps, sanctification, and continual surrender to God’s will.
A New Life, A New Identity
In 2 Corinthians 5:16–18 (NLT), Paul reminds us, "This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!" Becoming new in Christ is more than a single moment; it’s a gradual transformation. The old life, with its habits and mindsets, fades as we embrace a life focused on becoming more like Jesus through the process of sanctification.
The Process of Sanctification
Sanctification, or becoming holy, is a continuous journey. It begins at salvation but unfolds over a lifetime, requiring us to renew our minds and set ourselves apart from anything that could hold us back from becoming who God designed us to be.
This process calls for:
- Fasting — Choosing to set aside time to draw closer to God.
- Prayer and Supplication — Approaching God with humility and dependence, making our requests known to Him. The beauty of this journey is in the process itself. God values the character and strength that grows within us as we walk through this transformation. It’s not about arriving instantly but about developing a sustainable faith that roots us deeply in His word and in His will.
Becoming Like Christ
The Bible gives us clear instruction on what becoming like Christ entails. Jesus taught that we should become like little children — humble, trusting, and pure in heart (Matthew 18:1-4 NLT). To “become” is to pursue a mindset of simplicity and humility, allowing God to mold us and shape us into His likeness. We often become reflections of what we immerse ourselves in most. If we are not spending time with God, our identity in Him becomes obscured. John 10:27 (NLT) reminds us, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” God desires us to be recognizable to Him, not as copies of others, but as reflections of His character.
The Heart of the Matter
The process of becoming also requires heart transformation. Sometimes, the potential within us is held back by issues within our hearts. We don’t have capacity issues; we have heart issues. Psalm 51:7-12 (NLT) captures the essence of heart transformation, with David’s plea, “Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me.” God isn’t looking for us to perform but to genuinely transform. When He deals with our hearts, He equips us with the stewardship required to carry out His plans for us. It’s in our surrender, in our prayer for a clean heart, that we find the joy, strength, and willingness to follow Him wholeheartedly.
Conclusion
Becoming is not a one-time event but a sacred journey. It’s about continuously moving forward, transforming into who God has called us to be, and allowing Him to refine our hearts and minds. As Fortified Life Church, may we walk together in this journey of becoming — becoming real, becoming relatable, and embracing the restoration God offers. Let us be transformed, not by imitating the world but by embracing our identity in Christ, growing into the unique individuals He knows and recognizes.
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