5 Versions of You

How many versions of you do you think there are? As I thought about that tonight I counted at least five. In general terms they are:

-Who you used to be
-Who you are now
-Who you hope to be
-Who others think you are
-Who God intends you to be

What is your story? Where do you come from? What have you come through? Who did you used to be? Would your story surprise or shock anyone?  How do you feel about who you used to be?

We all have a story of who we used to be. Some stories are better than others. Some are worse. Who we are today is based a lot on who we were yesterday. Many people have overcome extraordinary circumstances of difficulty that has made their today better than their yesterday. Others have succumbed to circumstances which may make today a bit darker than yesterday. 

Sometimes people around us forget that everyone has a story of yesterday. A common saying is that, "The best predictor of future behavior is past behavior." That may hold true to remind us to use a cautionary approach with some. However, should we define everyone by past behavior, especially when past behavior is just that...in the past? We do it all the time. Some may be more discreet in their judgments than others, nonetheless it is there. 

Perhaps when another is cast into the spotlight of shame and/or judgment it is then that we feel our past can disappear or at least appear so much less that the one in the spotlight. Instead of deflecting blame for an incident we are deflecting shame of our own past failings. We need to stop doing that. Who we used to be, especially when we have been born again into the kingdom of God, should be just that...who we used to be. Even if you are not a Christian but have reformed or overcome your past, then that is where it should remain.

Who are you now? Do you know yourself? Do you allow others to define who you are? Have you learned to stand up for yourself or for anything, even if you are standing alone? Are you comfortable in your own company? 

Are you ruled by popular opinion on who you think you should be? We often have many 'hats' to wear when fulfilling many roles in our lives. Who are you when you take off all the hats? Take time to know yourself. I have no doubt that you may be surprised at how awesome you really are. Own your awesomeness, even if you have to do it quietly. Remember that you were fashioned by God Himself. No matter how you got here, planned or unplanned, you have a plan. The Creator of Heaven and Earth formed you in your mother's womb (Psalm 139:13-16). 

Who do you hope to be? How do you plan to become that person? Are there things you may have to lay down in order to reach that dream? Some may want to sprout wings and fly. While I do not wish to discourage anyone, I believe that so long as we are working within the laws of physics and limited only by the word of God then we can achieve just about anything- maybe minus the sprouted wings. 

Do you have hope? Do you aspire to anything? Do you have an unfulfilled call on your life? If yes, then pursue it! Let not the naysayers stand in your way nor discourage you. Find yourself in the word of God and in the presence of God and be led by His Holy Spirit. Can you achieve great things apart from God? Of course you can. However, those things will perish and fade away. When your aspirations line up with God's design for your life, then you will achieve great things. These things will become a legacy that will impact the kingdom of God. 

How do you define greatness? Inventor? Scientist? Doctor? Missionary? Preacher? Astronaut?

Those are all great things. However, what about mother, father, teacher, friend, encourager, intercessor, loving, giving, hospitality, listener and so many more? The world around us defines greatness in so many ways. Sometimes their definition can make our contributions feel less than they are. We begin to underestimate the role we have been given and the importance of sowing into so many lives, even just in our homes and communities. Don't get me wrong. If you have been called to missions, homeless shelters, outreach, the pulpit, music...whatever...then go. If your calling is more discreet with less recognition, then embrace it. Pour everything into it and leave that legacy that you were created by God to leave. 

That leads us to the question, "Who does God intend for you to be?" This really ties into the question before, "Who do you aspire to be?" It would be my hope that your vision lines up with God's intentions. You may be surprised how similar they are to each other or even how much more fulfilling His intentions and purpose for your life are, in contrast to what you may want for yourself.

Finally, who do others think you are? What others think of us can be a crippling thought. The thoughts of others can keep us a prisoner to our past, held down in our present, left unfulfilled in our aspirations and can ultimately rob us of what God intends for us. Be careful who you listen to.

Sometimes we allow this version of ourselves to dictate the answer to all the other versions.

Words are a powerful weapon. They can tear down or they can build up. Learn to discern the voice of the Lord. If what others are saying does not line up with what God is saying about you, then choose to trust God over those around you. We can never fully persuade everyone of who we are, nor should we try. Focus on who you are now, who you hope to be and who God intends for you to be.

Be mindful of who you think others are or should be. Don’t become the crippling force in their lives. Let us build one another up in every good work.

1 Thessalonians 5:11-22 reminds us to:

 Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.
And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. Be at peace among yourselves.
Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all. See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all.
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies. Test all things; hold fast what is good.  Abstain from every form of evil.

It is my hope that you will become who God intends, in spite of your past, present or the opinions of others. Much love you to you all.