The Art of Becoming

Processes are often frustrating. I am sure I am not the first or only one who wishes you could be…a basketball star without years of training and thousands of free throws…a healthy person without having to watch what you eat or exercise….a disciple (Christian) without learning how to control your actions and words, or put in the time necessary to discipline your body and mind so that it responds to God’s voice and God’s word. It would be easy if God could wave God’s hands and “bling” you as a fully mature disciple. But, on the other hand, would the maturity last? Would we have any appreciation for the work it takes to mature? Would we recognize God for who God is and what God has and continues to do in and through us? Probably not! Paul encourages us in Hebrews to “run with perseverance the race that is laid out in front of us…” (Hebrews 12:1-2). Paul, using the image of a race, immediately reminds us that the journey toward maturity is something that requires us to stick to it until the end. These scriptures provide the reader with disciplines that will lead to maturity. The disciplines and the attitude include endurance, down-sizing, cleaning, and focus. Like a runner, becoming a disciple requires us to keep at it, whether through training or practice. Maturing as a disciple means that we need to “run without baggage.” This means unburdening yourself and being willing to get rid of anything and everything that is between you and God. Lastly, we all must focus our minds, bodies, and spirits on the source and the goal. “…fix our eyes on Jesus, faith’s pioneer and perfecter” (v.2).

Becoming is a process. It may, like all other processes, be frustrating at times. It may also make you feel discouraged, thinking that you are not making any progress. When this happens, take heart. It is a lifelong journey. It is normal to falter and flail. It is normal to tire and to want to give up or in. Take all of this in stride and keep putting one foot in front of the other. You are not alone. Jesus is with us every step of the way, and we walk with an entire community here and in glory cheering us on (v. 1).