Who Are You Becoming?

As I read Philippians, Paul’s devoted and wise letter to the followers of Christ in Philippi, I imagine a man shackled in a cold, damp prison. This man could easily be my small group leader, my sister in Christ, or any other fellow believer.

Imagining someone so dear to me, writing their last bits of encouragement while facing death, totally changes the way I read Philippians. Something so precious, a parchment scribbled with counsel, wisdom, and guidance would immediately stay close to me forever. I would reference it in any time of trial, and it would be amongst my most prized possessions.

Sometimes it feels like the world is deafening and inserting too much influence into who I am and who I am becoming.

Philippians serves as a reminder and encouragement to renew my focus on Christ. Born out of the incomparable joy of a man imprisoned in the darkest conditions, Paul thinks of nothing else but his immense love for the Lord and the spiritual well-being of his friends. This is how I hold the book of Philippians in my heart: a reminder of who I am becoming.

As we go through the series, we want to ask and answer the question: who are you becoming? Here are six verses from Philippians you can read when you need encouragement

1. When you are becoming hopeless with your progress:
“There has never been the slightest doubt in my mind that the God who started this great work in you would keep at it and bring it to a flourishing finish on the very day Christ Jesus appears.” – Philippians 1:6

2. When you are becoming isolated from the body of Christ:
“Stand united, singular vision, contending for people’s trust in the Message, the good news, not flinching or dodging in the slightest before the opposition. Your courage and unity will show them what they’re up against” – Philippians 1:27-28

3. When you are becoming boastful:
“Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends. Don’t push your way to the front; don’t sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. Don’t be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand.” – Philippians 2:1-4

4. When you want to become a living testament of God’s work:
“Do everything readily and cheerfully- no bickering, no second-guessing allowed! Go out into the world uncorrupted, a breath of fresh air in this squalid and polluted society. Provide people with a glimpse of good living and of the living God.” – Philippians 2:14-15

5. When you want to become focused on Christ amidst distractions:
“By no means do I count myself an expert in [following Christ], but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward- to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back.” – Philippians 3:13-14

6. When you want to become peaceful during stress:
“Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry are the center of your life.” – Philippians 4:6-7

No matter where you are in your journey with Christ, we are in a constant state of becoming more like Jesus.  As we dive into Paul’s letter for the next six weeks, lets pray on his words and truly live a life worthy of our calling.