Becoming

Pivots and shifts and all the unexpected things all on the way to “becoming.”

Becoming something or someone - to fill some role or some need or some dream. But maybe, I’ve looked at “becoming” wrong all these years. 

It is not putting on the right clothes for the job, or attaining the right education or the right skills. It is not about being in a certain place or following a certain path, or holding to a certain timeline. 

I’ve always thought of “becoming” as adding to, but it is just as much, if not more about taking away. 

When we are on our way to becoming who God created us to be, we aren’t just adding to ourselves, but stripping away the old self and becoming more like Christ. 

Have you considered the butterfly? The transformation of these creatures is nothing short of remarkable. It is wild to consider when looking at a caterpillar how it will become such a creature of beauty and take flight. When it comes to changing, the caterpillar breaks down to the cells. Everything is encoded in its DNA.It dies to  become what it was meant to be made into - a butterfly. 

“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)

We must become less, and Christ must become more. 

“Becoming” keeps only what is essential. Everything else is melted down, dissolved, and destroyed for a purpose.

“Becoming” bears both joy and grief. It bends and is forged in fire, where I always thought of it to be made immovable and strong. It isn’t about being resolute. Sometimes it flies, and sometimes it aches just to breathe. 

“Becoming” holds the vision and keeps in mind its true condition, holding fast to the purpose of being transformed into His likeness. 

“Becoming” is gained by losing.