"And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit."
- 2 Corinthians 3:18 (NIV)
Life is a fascinating balance between who we are today and who we are becoming tomorrow. This tension—between being and becoming—is at the core of our human experience. It's not only a philosophical debate but also deeply rooted in the teachings of the Bible and how we walk through life.
At first glance, "being" may seem passive, as if it's merely about existing. However, it's far from that. "Being" speaks to who you fundamentally are in Christ, your identity anchored in God's unchanging truth. Meanwhile, "becoming" emphasizes growth, transformation, and the ongoing process of purposefully living out that identity. Understanding this balance can help us live more fulfilling lives, motivated by the dynamic interplay between stability and change.
Your Identity: Rooted in "Being"
Let's start with "being." Scripture teaches us that God is the ultimate foundation of being. When He reveals Himself to Moses in Exodus 3:14 as "I AM WHO I AM," He declares His eternal, unchanging nature. God is constant, the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). Unlike the shifting circumstances of life, God remains the rock on which we can always stand firm.
As children of God, our "being" is anchored in Him. In 2 Corinthians 5:17, Paul writes, "If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" We are made new, and that new identity is already secured in Christ. We don't have to earn our place in God's heart; we already belong to Him. It is the essence of "being"—knowing we are loved, valued, and held by an unchanging God.
Understanding this truth should bring us immense peace and confidence. You are already enough in God's eyes. You don't have to strive to prove your worth because God has declared it in His love for you. This knowledge grounds us, providing a solid foundation for the journey ahead.
The Journey: Living in "Becoming"
But while our identity is rooted in being, we are called to a life of becoming. We're not static creatures—God has a purpose for our lives that involves growth, change, and transformation. Philippians 1:6 reminds us, "He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion." The Christian life is one of continual transformation as we are increasingly molded into Christ's likeness.
This process is often referred to as sanctification, the gradual becoming of who God created us to be. Just as a seed transforms into a tree, we constantly grow, learn, and evolve through life's seasons. Whether facing challenges or experiencing joy, each moment is an opportunity to grow closer to God and become more like Jesus.
In the New Testament, Paul discusses this journey as a race (Philippians 3:12-14), urging us to "press on" toward the goal. While we may not have reached perfection yet, we are always moving forward. This "becoming" isn't about achieving success or perfection overnight—it's about embracing the journey, knowing that God is working in and through us every step of the way.
Embrace the Tension
Living between being and becoming is both challenging and beautiful. We already have a firm identity in Christ, but we're also in the process of becoming who we were designed to be. This journey will have ups and downs, but both the stillness of being and the movement of becoming are essential to our growth.
If you're feeling stuck, remember this: you are already loved and enough as you are. But also, you are becoming more than you could ever imagine. Trust in God's plan, and lean into the adventure of your spiritual growth.
In the tension between being and becoming, you'll discover the fullness of life. You'll find peace in the present and hope for the future, knowing that God is always with you—both as the solid rock of your identity and as the guide on your journey of transformation.
Embrace who you are. Embrace who you are becoming. God is working through both to fulfill His incredible purpose for your life.
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