As I’m reading ‘God’s Got This’ by Heidi Baker, I’m reminded of the phrase, “you become what you behold.” I’m not sure who said it first, but it comes from a verse in 2 Corinthians 3.
Perhaps this is a phrase you are familiar with, or one that is brand new to you. Either way, let’s get into it and see what it’s all about.
The last few years have been quite interesting. Although many are going on with their lives at this time, you may still be struggling with feelings of hopelessness, fear, or anxiety. Maybe you’ve been listening to the news each day, looking for the someone to reassure you, give you hope, or put your mind at peace. There’s lots going on in our world today, and plenty of opportunities to worry. I’m here to tell you there is only one place that is truly a safe harbor for your hope.
If you’re feeling alone, scared, or anxious, I get it – those feelings are real and you’re not alone in feeling them.
Many have felt these feelings and some are still working through them. Throughout 2020, whenever I found myself reeling emotionally, hyper-focusing on an issue I couldn’t fix, or being controlled by anxiety, I had to pause and ask myself, “Where have I been letting my mind dwell?”
Today I pose this question to you – where have you been letting your mind dwell? What have you been looking at (beholding)?
“You become what you behold.”
What are you gazing upon every day?
Is it the news? A social media feed? Negative/critical articles about well, anything?
Or
Are you gazing upon Jesus? Are you worshipping our good Savior? Are you surrendering in prayer? Are you giving your time, energy, and money to help complete His Kingdom work on earth? Giving is an act of worship (2 Corinthians 8-9), and we all worship something or someone.
These questions are not meant to bring condemnation or shame.
Condemnation is not for the believer – “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1) And feelings of continued shame and guilt that lead to anxiety, depression, worry and fear are not from the Lord. The accuser of the brethren (satan) is the one who plants these seeds.
The questions above are meant to get you thinking. I urge you, be honest with yourself.
If you find that you’ve been spending more time scrolling social feeds than reading The Word and/or worshipping Jesus, perhaps it’s time to pause and reevaluate?
Remember Mary & Martha? They’re sisters in the New Testament who walked with Jesus. One of the times Jesus went to visit their home, Mary sits in the room with Him and listens to every word He says, while Martha is running around trying to get things done, worried and overwhelmed about all the preparations. She gets so upset about it that she asks Jesus to get Mary to help her with all the work. And how does Jesus respond?
“Martha, Martha, you are worried about so many things; but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, and it will not be taken away from her.” (Read the full story in Luke 10:38-42)
He responds with gentleness, and points her to what is truly important.
“…only one thing is necessary…”
Only Jesus is necessary.
It’s only Jesus’ words that we must follow. Jesus’ presence that we must dwell in. Jesus’ face we should behold.
“We become what we behold.”
“Now the Lord is Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. We all, with unveiled faces, are looking as in a mirror at the glory of the Lord and are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory; this is from the Lord who is the Spirit.”
2 Corinthians 3:18
“…are being transformed into the same image…”
When we look at Jesus – we are transformed by the Spirit of God to look like Jesus. The more we behold His face, the more we are transformed – His glory can be seen in us.
So, what are you looking at?
The current state of our culture?
Turmoil in the world?
Ever-changing rules and guidelines?
Whatever’s on the news today?
Whatever you’re looking at is reflected in your face. The way you think and the way you live ‘tell on you’ – they show what you’re looking at.
So what are you beholding?
What would change if you looked at Jesus only?
My pastor says that ‘Jesus is perfect theology.’
Jesus himself said, “He who has seen Me has seen the Father.” John 14:9
If you’re looking at Jesus, then you are looking at the Father. Then, day by day you’re being transformed into the image of His beloved Son.
The choice is yours. You have the ability to ‘take every thought captive’ (2 Corinthians 10:5). You have the power of the Spirit of God who raised Jesus Christ FROM THE DEAD inside of you. (Romans 8:11)
Ya’ll – did you read that?
THE POWER OF THE SPIRIT OF GOD WHO RAISED JESUS FROM THE DEAD.
If you’re in Christ (1 Corinthians 5:17), – then you have the Holy Spirit living inside of you! Not sure if He’s there? – Invite him in!
Luke 11:13 – “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?”
God has promised us that He will never leave us or forsake us, but who doesn’t love an invitation to deeper connection? (Hebrews 13:5-6)
Our good heavenly Father wants you to be filled with the Holy Spirit. You were sealed by the Holy Spirit at the day of your redemption (Ephesians 1:13) – but you also need to receive the filling of the Spirit to walk in the power of love and obedience that God wants you to walk in as a part of your birthright as His child. This daily acknowledgment of his indwelling/filling presence is crucial for our everyday victory – “But I say, walk by the Spirit and you will not carry out the desires of the flesh.” and again, “if we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.” (Galatians 5:16-25)
When we wake up each day, we must remember that we have the Holy Spirit inside of us. We must remember that we have the power to change our minds. We do not have to be controlled by fear, anxiety, worry, or whatever issue of the day the news or social media throws our way. We can choose to spend time with our Jesus in worship and prayer, we can choose to receive His peace, love, joy, and faith.
If you’re currently struggling with shame, guilt, anxiety, or worry, my heart goes out to you. I also encourage you as dear brothers and sisters in the Lord, you have the authority in Christ to make a choice. Choose to spend time with Jesus. Choose to worship. Choose to take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.
Jesus is our hope. When we look to him we are transformed, and we will never be ashamed. (2 Corinthians 2:18 & Psalm 34:5)
Post originally published by Sarah Bernard on May 15, 2021, on Dare Blog
Sarah Louise 