Tag Archives: Pursuing God

Paradox of Wisdom

“I’d choose wisdom!”

We were young teenagers and, as teens frequently do, we were asking each other what we would ask for if we could have three wishes granted. (My memory is that we had recently seen the Disney version of Aladin – and we were captivated by Robin Williams’ portrayal of the Genie.) My friends all said they’d wish for billions of dollars, or the like. When I stated my wish would be for wisdom they looked at me like I had ten heads.

I had recently become a Christian and I had taken seriously my spiritual mentor’s encouragement to read a Psalm, a Proverb and a New Testament passage every day. In doing so, I had become fascinated with the benefits of having, and pursuing, wisdom. My immediate thought when my friend asked this question about the wishes was, if I get wisdom first, I’d then know the best way to use the second two wishes.

This is often the way of life. If we have wisdom, we are better positioned to make good choices. Unfortunately, even ‘wise’ people can make poor decisions. But, generally, wisdom brings understanding, an ability to see through the conundrum at the surface in order to address the matters at the heart of a situation.

Wisdom is different from knowledge. I smile when I hear the ‘modern proverb’ that says,

“By knowledge we understand that a tomato is a fruit,

By wisdom we know not to slice a tomato into our breakfast cereal.”

Wisdom rarely fits into a particular mould. Even though one may have wisdom, determining a course of action requires that the wise person understands the context. Wisdom may require action in a given situation at one time, but at another time, in what appears to be the very same situation, wisdom may require a different action. This often-forgotten principle is clearly stated in Proverbs 26:4-5.

“Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you will be like him yourself.

Answer a fool according to his folly, or he will be wise in his own eyes.”

I have spoken to many who appear troubled by this seeming contradiction within Scripture. How can the Word of God so blatantly disagree with itself? But, these two verses are not a contradiction. Rather, they are an instruction to look beyond the issues at the surface, to get within the context of the one who is speaking in order to understand the ‘folly’ that is being espoused. The challenge for the wise person, is to attempt to identify, without judgement or accusation, the motives and intentions of the one speaking before deciding if wisdom compels one to enter the discussion. Clearly, it is possible that a decision to enter the conversation could reveal substance as folly-filled as the first speaker. In another context, with different understanding, assessment and clarity, it may be essential to enter the conversation.

In today’s world we will have multiple opportunities to learn how to apply this principle. We are faced with a myriad of opinions, perspectives and points of view that are not always helpful or beneficial. Some are complete folly. Some are spoken by people who genuinely desire and intend to do good but have become confused. Regardless of who speaks or what is said, before we dive into the conversation, it will be beneficial for us to consider the principles within Proverbs 26:4-5.

In doing so, we will do well to remember that this principle is built on the assumption that in all circumstances we’re seeking to display the heart of God and learning to speak with grace, truth, gentleness and respect (1 Pt 3:15) and avoiding the temptation to speak curses over someone made in God’s image (Jms 3:9). For not only is it kindness that leads people to change (Rom 2:4), but it is through the Church that God will display his multi-faceted wisdom (Eph 3:10).

Giving Thanks

Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thess 5.16-18)

“You expect me to do what?!” My friend seemed incredulous. She was deeply upset. We were discussing her distress and she was seeking my guidance. My suggestion confused her and, I gathered from her demeanour, angered her.

“How could you expect me to praise God for this?”

She had been expressing the lingering pain from a relationship breakdown and I was attempting to help her break the cycle of bitterness that was evident in her language – although she was unaware of this evidence. My suggestion was that she simply begin thanking God for his goodness every time she experienced a painful memory.

This is a practice I have been attempting to form into a habit in my own life.

Many years ago, I wise friend guided me through the reasons for being intentional in giving thanks to God in all circumstances. I had experienced a deep hurt which had impacted every area of my life. The pain and confusion would regularly return and, it felt, I would never really ‘get over’ it. One of the significant healing moments was when a friend asked me, “Is God only worthy of your thanks when things are going well?”

His question made me realise that when I focused on my own hurt, I did not relate with God very well. In fact, I usually forgot he was with me. When I felt the pain of the memories, I became self-absorbed. I would often repeat the conversations and each replay provided further reasons to feel justified in my hurt which increased my anger, which led, I’m sorry to admit, to a growing bitterness. My friend’s question forced me to realise that not only was I behaving very selfishly, but I was also ignoring God at a time I needed him the most.

Since that realisation, I have attempted to practice the three instructions Paul gives the Thessalonian Church: Rejoice, Pray and Give Thanks. These three practices, taken as a group, are a wonderful way, I have found, to break through the walls of bitterness and dismantle the infrastructure of self-reliance.

Rejoice always. I have much to celebrate. Even if life throughs me a curve ball or I come up against an unforeseen obstacle, there is great freedom in remembering that all things will work out for the good of those who love him and are called according to his purpose (Rom 8:28). And, the act of rejoicing, even in difficult times, is quite different from optimism. While optimism may be broader trait, or tendency of personality, rejoicing is a decision, an intentional act.

Pray without ceasing. I will not pretend to have grasped this but the writings of Desert Fathers, and contemporary mystics have created in me a thirst for a life of prayer. Daily habits of scriptural meditation, scripture memory and trigger prayers are helping form within me an ongoing awareness of God and interaction with Holy Spirit. The more I am able to consciously work toward this unconscious consistency, the less I find myself able to indulge in the harmful negativities of life.

Give thanks in all circumstances. To grasp the import of Paul’s instruction more fully, it is essential that we move beyond merely having an attitude of thankfulness. Having an ‘attitude of gratitude’ may be helpful baseline, but I believe we must learn the discipline of actually giving thanks – of verbally expressing thanks – in all circumstances.

This is where I felt the challenge from my friend all those years ago. It is easy to thank God for a situation that has worked out well, a particular blessing, or a joyful experience. But it is not so easy to give thanks to God in a difficult situation. Even though I would say he is always good, when I’m in a difficult situation it can be hard to stop and remind myself to give him thanks. But doing so, gives him honour, helps me keep my eyes off my circumstances and helps me realise that the entirety of my life is bigger than what I feel in this singular moment.

The fact that we are in a singular moment in time leads to possibly the most important principle to the act of thanking God in all circumstances. Regardless of how long it may feel, the time we spend in a struggle, a painful experience or a loss is a relatively short period of life. I am learning how beautiful it is to give God my thanks and praise when I’m in the middle of difficulties. My intentional choice to verbally thank God for his goodness while I’m hurting, confused or struggling is a gift I will never be able to give God once these emotions pass. Once the moment passes, I will be able to thank God that he was there while I was in the challenge. But when I’m in the challenge, struggling to find a way through the fog of confusion or wrestling with gut-wrenching disappointment, my ‘sacrifice’ of thanks expresses my thanks for his goodness with a genuine authenticity and humility that I’ll never be able to recreate. I want to become a man who can honour God with the glory he is due, regardless of how I may feel in challenging circumstances of life.

“I’m doing much better. I feel a new freedom and my relationship with the Lord is more real.” It had been several months since I’d seen her, and she looked like a different woman. “I’ve been trying to give thanks in all circumstances, and it is changing my perspective.”

She, too, is learning the blessing of rejoicing always, praying consistently and giving thanks in all circumstances.

Sean Copeland, September 2023

Reflection and Reset

This blog is an excerpt from some writing following the deaths of my father and my mother-in-law; both of whom recently passed away within a few days of each other. This writing focuses on ways those who have passed have informed my life choices, but I wish to alert the reader that the topic of death is discussed.

We have an uncomfortable relationship with funerals. We know they are part of life, yet we often try to avoid the awkward conversations about them. We recognise the importance of making the time to be present at a funeral no matter how distant the relation or acquaintance. When the funeral is for a loved one, we cherish the expressions of condolence whether written, spoken or demonstrated through presence.

Many factors can cause this topic to raise emotions and grief. There are many realities of the world in which we live which do not reflect God’s intended design or desire for creation. Disease and death are realities of a broken world infected by sin. So, somehow, we must attempt to wisely and humbly live in the tension between what Scripture reveals as the purposes of God and the myriad of injustices that exist within the world we inhabit.

A funeral is often a time for reflection; an evaluation of one’s past choices and consideration of one’s future options. When we pause to honour the life of someone close to us or someone we respect, these assessments have potential to carry opportunities for significant decisions.

As a young man I wrote a personal mission statement (yes, I am one of those people!). I did not think this was unusual until I got older and realised a majority of people have never done this. I use Scripture in most of my goal setting. One of these Scriptural goals arises in my thinking at the time of a funeral. The disciple Peter, in his second letter said, “…I will make every effort to see that after my departure you will always be able to remember these things” (2 Ptr 1:15). For a long time, I have endeavoured to pass on to those within my circle of influence what God has spoken, in a way that can be remembered and applied in their life.

A few years ago, I attended the funeral of someone who impacted me – and a lot of other people. This man did not have an impressive job title or a long, high-powered corporate career. He didn’t drive a high-end car, nor would anyone have considered him wealthy. But he had a deep impact on the lives of many people. He did this by investing time in others. He would come alongside, support, encourage and, when he thought necessary, he would challenge. Many of the people in whom he invested are now in positions of significant influence and they have, in turn, continued impacting the lives of even more people.

At his funeral it was evident this man’s influence reached many people across a wide cross-section of society. Sitting alongside those whose names would be recognised sat the nameless, faceless people who, in equal measure, benefitted from this man’s sincerity, integrity and desire to leave the world a better place.

During his funeral one of his pre-selected scripture readings was from 2 Peter 1:12-15. My heart stirred as the verse was read. This man recognised his purpose. He knew his life held a greater purpose. He, too, was committed to doing all he could to ensure we would remember what God has spoken. He did this through his simple lifestyle, purposeful relationships and sharing his wisdom so others would grow in their own experience with God. I am convinced he believed his influence would be multiplied through those who benefitted from his personal investment – but he was humble enough to not allow that be anything more than an objective outcome of his efforts.

Two funerals of close family in recent weeks have prompted me to venture into some periods of deep personal reflection. Saying goodbye to a parent, thanking the Lord for them and embracing the grieving process with my family and my extended families has been a difficult, but good and healthy process. In the weeks since I find myself benefitting from what a friend has called the supportive, relational scaffolding provided by family and friends.

At the same time, my reflections have allowed me to review my major decisions, actions and impact on others. How am I using what God has given me to benefit, inspire, equip or challenge others? In what ways is my love for, and apprenticeship to, Jesus growing? My conclusions from these considerations have reinforced my convictions. I will continue pursuing my transformation through the renewing of my mind as Christ is being formed in me, so I can live up to what has been attained. And, through the fruit of the Spirit, I will live as a child of God, doing all I can to help others remember all Jesus taught so we can grow mature and, somehow, experience the whole measure of the fulness of Christ.*

(* see Rom 12:1-3; Gal 1:20, 5:14-24; Phil 3:12-16; 1 Jn 3:1-3; 1 Ptr 1:15; Mt 28:18-20; Eph 4:11-16)

Sean Copeland, August 2023

Risking Love

The noisy cafeteria went instantly silent. I could feel my heart pounding inside my chest as I locked eyes with the ringleader of the three bullies who, two seconds ago, had been laughing. I was enraged. I was also frightened as I my mind raced through multiple scenarios of what could happen next – most of those scenarios involved me getting hurt.

But I had taken my stand and I knew I could not back down. I could feel the attention of every eye in the cafeteria as I stood between the three offenders and the nearby table where their victim sat.

Tears streamed down her teenage face and her hair was littered with pieces of the lunch the offending boys had been throwing at her while they laughed. I had seen it happen. She cried as she yelled at them to stop. They laughed some more. Lots of people watched them throwing food at her. No one did anything. They were big, muscular and had a particular reputation. She was a girl with special needs, recently mainstreamed into our inner-city school. This was wrong. I didn’t think of what I was going to do before I got out of my chair, I simply knew I had to do something to stop them.

I don’t remember the exact words I said to the ringleader, but he stared unblinkingly back at me. Offender number three stood to square up to me. Offender number two looked for direction from offender number one, who silently, slowly shook his head. Number three quickly sat down with a tirade of words he probably didn’t understand.

It was over. Indistinct chatter refilled the cafeteria and a few of my friends took the crying girl to help her clean up.

The lessons I learned that day were foundational to my formation. Sometimes doing the right thing involves taking a risk. I often think of this episode when I’m confronted with decisions of right and wrong, standing up against injustice or protecting the vulnerable even if there is a threat to my personal safety.

When I read the story of the good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) I frequently think back on my cafeteria experience.

Jesus used a story about a man who was attacked, beaten, robbed and left injured on a roadside to illustrate how he expects us to behave toward our neighbour. In the story, Jesus included individuals who would have been expected to help but did not stop to help the injured man.

Familiarity with the story can, if we’re not careful, bring us to swift judgment about the two representatives of religion who demonstrated a lack of care for the injured man. Likely the men feared for their own safety. Perhaps they considered this a trap, the injuries were fake, and the actor’s co-conspirators were ready to pounce on them. Or, possibly, they were on their way home from religious duties and wanted to see their family. If they touched an unclean person, they would then need to isolate themselves according to laws of purification and this would delay them being able to see their family. Regardless of the reasonable-ness of their motives for inaction, Jesus highlights their choices as falling short of his values and expectations.

I’ve often heard this story used to explain a model, or standard, of how love is exemplified. This is understandable because the conversation began with a reference to the commandments about loving God and loving our neighbour (Lk 10:27). But at the end of the parable, Jesus did not ask the enquirer, “Which of the three showed love to the injured man?”. Rather, his question was, “Which of the three proved to be a neighbour?” (Lk 10:36).

At its simplest, the parable of the Good Samaritan illustrates the expectation that being a good neighbour is challenging, inconvenient, even risky. This raises an uncomfortable question for me…. if this story illustrates neighbourly behaviour, then what does real love look like?!

Reflecting on my cafeteria confrontation, at no point in those moments did I consider the philosophical, theological or sociological nuances between being a good neighbour or demonstrating loving behaviour. I simply knew I needed to do something to protect the vulnerable girl and stop the bullying and injustice.

In the journey of life since that day I’ve had numerous opportunities to make similar decisions. I frequently pray that the record of my actions will outweigh that of my inaction. Through it all my desire is that my love for the Lord will become so encompassing that it permeates my interactions with others to the point there is no distinction between love for my neighbour and general neighbourly behaviour.

Sean Copeland, June 2023

Experience & Becoming

In my job I do a lot of driving. I may be visiting customers or trying to gain new ones, but I will often drive to locations I’ve never been. In recent years I’ve become a fan of Google Maps. Not only does it give good directions (apart from mispronouncing Irish names & locations!) but the ability to switch to street view is real benefit. Being able to ‘see’ the geography around the customer’s location makes the last few minutes of a journey much easier. Seeing a photograph of the entrance to the building before I arrive helps me know what to look for which saves time and potential hassle.

But, no matter how beneficial a photograph may be, I would be foolish to presume I know all there is to know about the geography around the location. For starters, the photo may be several years old and the environs may have changed. Even if it hadn’t changed, there are any number of things which could make my experience different from the perceptions I made from a photograph.

Just because I ‘see’ something doesn’t mean I understand all there is to understand about it. Even if I know the destination from photos, maps or descriptions of others, I won’t actually ‘know’ it until I’ve experienced it for myself.

This principle is applicable to so much of life and it is especially true of our relationship with God. Just because someone shows us a picture, or tells us a story, about God does not mean we have a full, complete, understanding of who God is.

One of the biggest challenges for Christians today is the access we have to content about God. It is possible that we could be the most biblically educated generation in history. That may be an overstatement but the prevalence of teachings, books, devotionals, variety of translations, on-line videos and smart phone apps means we can be exposed to as much biblical material as we desire.

Yet, I still wonder, how much do we truly know of God from our own, personal experience of Him? How deep have we gone with him in the privacy of our own prayer closet? How intimately do we know Holy Spirit’s voice? How responsive are we to follow, simply because we recognise it is Him speaking?

I don’t want to be someone whose history with God is based on the stories told by someone else. I don’t want my experience of Him to be reliant on a ‘photograph’ of a destination taking by someone else. Nor do I want the extent of my experience in Him to be curtailed by the limits of others. I have never been one to settle for the status-quo and I refuse to accept mediocrity in my journey with Jesus.

I will pursue His Word and the life-giving promises He’s given. I will seek to believe, to learn and to understand all He has spoken so I can live worthy of the calling I’ve received. I will seek the presence of His Kingdom that I might know the whole measure of His fullness within me. I will pursue the growth of my faith through the declaration and demonstration of His love, power and wisdom. Where my faith is lacking or my understanding falls short I will fall on the grace and mercy of the One Whom I believe.

I extend an invitation to all who share similar desires. Let’s explore the possibilities of faith together. Let’s ask Holy Spirit to stir up a hunger and passion for more of Him. Let’s commit to encourage and support one another in this journey toward transformation. And let us know the One we believe so we can become all He desires us to be.

Exploring IN Christ

When I was about 8 years old my family moved house. Along with a bigger garden the house had a full basement. I remember the day I discovered the ‘secret room’ in the basement. Looking back now, I don’t remember how long we’d been in the house before I discovered the secret room, but it must have been a number of months. I remember the surprise at realising this room had always been there, I just hadn’t seen it. There were two mains areas of the basement. In one my parents had installed the washing machine & dryer so it was called the ‘utility room’. Off this room was a door that led to the ‘furnace room’ where the air conditioning and water heater were kept. This room was off-limits to us kids.

But one day, I explored. To my surprise, on the other side of the furnace was another door. I knew I shouldn’t be there but I couldn’t resist. I opened the door to see a labyrinth of my grandfather’s word-working tools. It almost a Narnia-type entrance into another world. This is where my granddad would disappear for hours at a time. This is the place those shelves were made, doors were repaired and picture frames were crafted. I loved the smell of the timber, the feel of the natural materials and the concept that this is where an idea could be fashioned into reality. This became a new hide-away for me. My granddad knew I was exploring his ‘workshop’ but he never let on that he knew.

The discovery of this room has similarities with our current discussion of the presence and purpose of Holy Spirit. I’ve always known He’s in me, with me and guiding me. But, the wording of many Scriptures is leading me more deeply into rooms of the house that are yet undiscovered.

“In Christ all the fullness of God lives in bodily form, and you have been given fullness in Christ” (Col 2.9f)

“All things are yours… and you are of Christ and Christ is of God.” (1 Cor 3.22)

“When he has put everything under his feet…then the Son himself will be made subject to him [God] who put everything under him, so that God may be all in all.” (1 Cor 15.28)

“…that you may be filled to the whole measure of the fullness of God.” (Eph 3.19)

These statements from Paul are reminders of Jesus’ declaration in his prayer before he was crucified:

“… just as you are in me and I am in you; may they also be in us… I have given them the glory you gave me that they may be one as we are one…” (Jn 17.21-24)

There is much to discover in these verses. Let us not be constrained by false boundaries that restrict us exploring the depth and meaning of what it means to be ‘IN Christ’ or what it means for Christ to be IN us. Let us not fall into the temptation of resting in what is theologically familiar. Rather, let us embrace the desire to explore the fullness of God’s promises. Let’s unite our hearts in faith and spur one another on to pursue the depths of what it means to live IN the fullness of God.

Boundaries of Belief

The house I lived in as a small child was on the corner of two roads. The house was set in from the smaller road so it meant our back garden (back yard) bordered each road up to the intersection. A fence created the necessary safety for my siblings and I to play freely in the garden. I was very young and I don’t remember being tempted to venture beyond the fence. But I have clear memories of my mother sternly warning us not to go outside the fence.

Fences provide a boundary. Sometimes they keep things in. Sometimes they keep things out. Fences can be used to keep people, pets and property safe. They give an indication of a property line or even a geo-political border. Whatever way it is used, a fence is a visible, physical manifestation of an invisible line; a demarcation between two realms. The extent to which one is allowed travel. The limit beyond which one is unable to go.

Sometimes we create boundaries where none were intended. More often we assume a boundary exists because someone, somewhere, implied that it does.

When I was a teenager, I remember being told that God no longer works miracles; that all miracles stopped after the time of the Apostles. Even though this didn’t make sense to me I allowed that thought to become a fence that cut through the middle of my spiritual prairie. I’ll never forget the season when I dismantled that fence after experiencing God’s healing power.

Similarly, I grew up in a tradition which did not practice prophecy or pursue the voice of God for practical, relevant life direction. This, too, became a fence which corralled my yearning for the tangible presence and voice of God. Again, it was a joyous endeavour uprooting those fence-posts after learning to hear the voice of Holy Spirit.

Those are examples of substantial life-changing lessons. But if it was possible to have such large fences in my life for many years, is it possible that I may still have fences of which I’m not fully aware?

Recently I find myself asking, what are the small fences that still limit me from experiencing the fullness of all God has for me? What are the beliefs that limit my relationship with the Father? Do I have beliefs that undermine the One Whom I Believe? Are there incorrect or miss-placed boundaries on my beliefs?

“Abba! Abba!”

As I walked through the narrow streets of historic Bethlehem I could hear the sound of a child crying. It was the sort of cry you might hear if a child had fallen down or was in need of help. Over the hustle & bustle of the noisy street I could hear, “Abba… Abba…”. I remember stopping in my tracks, taking in the significance of what I’d just heard.

I was with group of college students who were on a study trip in Israel as part of a course in biblical history. I knew the scripture verses in which Jesus and Paul used the word Abba to describe God as ‘Daddy’ but my understanding of the word Abba had always remained academic; in my head. But at this moment, in the narrow streets of this ancient city where people still spoke Aramaic the reality that God is ‘Daddy’ landed home in my heart. The cry of a child in need of help, calling out for her Daddy was an illustration I will never forget.

Abba. It is a term of endearment reserved for the intimate relationship between a father and his child. In today’s language we might say Dad, Daddy, Da, Papa or some other intimate variation. But in middle eastern culture the pet name Abba continues to be used.

Jesus regularly spoke of God as ‘Father’ and, in doing so, tried to help people perceive God as personal, close and caring. But on at least one occasion Jesus used the term Abba when he spoke to God (Mk 14.36). This is evidence that Jesus knew God as his Daddy. Paul, on two occasions spoke of how we, as children of God, are able to join our voice with Holy Spirit to call God our Abba – our Daddy (Rom 8.16; Gal 4.6).

It is very easy for me to know God as Almighty God, Creator God or even Heavenly Father. But God wants us to know him as Daddy. A Daddy who desires a Dad-type relationship with his children. Up-close, personal, interested and involved. Willing to give input and caring enough to intervene. Powerful enough to bring change and wise enough to help us learn. He wants only the absolute best for all His children and He desires to be Daddy to us all.

Belong, Believe, Become

Do you know that feeling you get when you know that something doesn’t sit well with you but you don’t know how to articulate what is ‘wrong’? Have you ever had that feeling when in conversation with people you respect and admire? The added relational dynamic can make it even more difficult to attempt an articulation of your ideas.

A number of years ago I was in a room with a group of church leaders. I was younger and less experienced than most of them so I spent much of the time listening and digesting the discussion. The theme of the event centred around ways to help churches be more attractive to people who don’t participate in church meetings or events.

The conversation during which my discomfort arose was when someone spoke about how Christians should stop trying to get people to change their behaviour before they visit or join a church.

His view was that Christians were insisting, by the way they treated others, that people had to behave a certain way in order to join our churches. Then, once the newcomers conformed to our patterns of behaviour, they would be able to hear the good news of God’s love which would lead to them believing in Jesus. Once they did that, they could finally belong to our churches. He said this method of “Behave, Believe, Belong” was backward. Instead, in order for the Church to be more appealing, the understanding needed to be reversed to “Belong, Believe, Behave”. If the churches could change to this way of thinking, people would feel more welcomed for who they are and no longer feel they had to change their behaviour to ‘fit-in’.

This was a number of years ago and, while this may sound outdated now, much of what this man said was relevant and necessary at the time. I was (and still am) in full agreement that no church should ever put restrictions on people who want to visit, come along or join. As relationships are formed people will begin to feel a part of things and develop a sense of belonging. Through these relationships, and the activity of Holy Spirit, people will grow in their belief and experience of God.

But, the point about which I kept feeling uncomfortable was the discussion’s continued focus on behaviour.

Yes, I get that behaviour is a way to tell what’s really going on with people. I understand the biblical principle that ‘you shall know them by their fruits’. I also am convinced that when people come into relationship with Jesus, their changed behaviour is an evidence of Holy Spirit working in their hearts. But, what I was finding difficult to articulate in that meeting so many years ago, was that the purpose of life with Jesus isn’t behaviour change – that may be a result. Rather, the purpose of life with Jesus is to become like him.

Become. Be like. Be changed into. The old has gone and the new has come. Be transformed by the renewing of your minds (Rom 12.2) and be transformed into his image with ever, increasing glory (2 Cor 3.18). The people of the Early Church didn’t give themselves the name Christians (which means little Christs); they were given this name by outsiders who had observed they had become like Jesus. This re-naming implies more than mere behavioural change.

Although I wasn’t able to articulate my perspective on Become rather than Behave, I found myself energised by that discussion’s focus on Belong and Believe. So much so, I still use it today. However, I’ve taken the liberty to change the third component so that my description is: Belong, Believe, Become.

Over time my thinking has evolved. I am so convinced of the priority to help people ‘become’ that I intentionally look for ways to reinforce our ‘becoming’ rather than talk about behaviour. For instance, I regularly remind people that our emphasis should be on WHO we believe, rather than on WHAT we believe. To focus on the WHAT leads to behaviour. But focusing on WHO leads us into relationship (see post).

Belong. Believe. Become.

SeanCopeland.org

Learning to Live Up to What We've Already Attained