TO BE: Means to exist: the essence of existence; just consider for a moment that we are called… human beings. In Shakespeare’s Hamlet you may recall the famous line “to be or not to be? That is the question” – which was spoken when Hamlet was very seriously considering suicide. We all need to have a sacred appreciation for life itself. Many things in our world today degrade the value and the sanctity of life. How we treat the elderly, the poor, the unlovely, each other, the unborn, and the increasing incidence of criminal domestic violence – all of these factors can erode the value of life itself. So, just the most basic concept of being, of being a being created in God’s image, is vital to understanding the essence and purpose for one’s very existence. A favorite verse of mine, Ephesians2:10 declares that “you are God’s artistic masterpiece”. When I consider whose five words about all I can say is “wow!” (And give God a high five)
TO BECOME: Means to pass from one phase or state to another. We all have a need to “become something”; you may need to become “16” or “18” or a “junior” or a “senior” or a licensed and insured driver, or maybe even an “adult”. Once upon a time I became “18”, then a college graduate, then a navy pilot, then a married man, then a parent, then a combat aviator, then a grandparent, then a Chief Deputy Sheriff, and then at 62 an author. Throughout life we should have a sense of becoming, and now at age 68 I am still becoming. Romans 12:2 speaks of “being transformed” and of “becoming”. God has placed in each of us unique talents and abilities which I believe are “tools” to enable us to reach for the stars and realize the dreams God has also placed in each of us. It’s a divine package deal!
Tragically, too many of us are always looking down and doubting instead of looking up and expecting. Your attitude about life will determine your altitude in life. Jeremiah 29:11.
TO BELONG: Means to be connected with; to be a part of; to have relation to; a family. We see this great need under attack throughout our culture and so we must be intentional to do as Jesus said to love one another. All too often we simply use or even misuse each another. All people, both young and old, inherently have this very natural need to be connected, to have relationship, to be in a family, but they often seek and find relationships in very dangerous or self-destructive places. Individual identity and personal security are all locked up in this basic need to belong or more fundamentally to be loved. A church family can often provide for much of this need especially in cases where there have been problems with the biological family. You can discover in
1 Corinthians 12:12-26 and Romans 12:4-10 the dynamic of belonging and just how vital each of us are to one another. Remember this – who we belong to, God, family, and friends – is far more important than what we belong to when it comes to shaping our destiny and fulfilling our purpose in life.
TO BEGET: Means to cause to exist; to generate; to procreate; to produce.
This need is actually related to a sense of purpose. “Why was I born anyway?” Or can my life have meaning? This is why our “becoming” is so important, and what and who we become, and who we are in relationship with is vital in determining what will be the fruit of our lives. Who do you hang with? What do you desire to begat or produce? Jesus commanded us to “make disciples”. An unalterable “Genesiss” principle is that kind begets kind. This is true in the natural order of things as well as the spiritual order. Ephesians 2:10, which we referred to earlier goes on to say that “you are created for good works, which God himself has created for you to do”. Now that’s a real game changer, and again, all I can say is wow! The one who hung the very stars in space so you could simply look up on a clear night and behold his majesty and beauty has also created you to “let your light shine before men that they may see your good deeds and praise your father in heaven”.
Matthew 5:16. (NIV)
Developed by: Barney Barnes, Warrior Spirit Ministries 12-5-14