What Am I Becoming?

One of the questions I ask myself on a regular basis is not, "What am I accomplishing?" but, "What am I becoming?"

As leaders, we naturally think about goals, projects, promotions, and results. Those things matter, but they are not God's primary focus. God is always more interested in who we are becoming than what we are producing.

I've discovered that every season of life is developing something in us. That's why we can't afford to check out when life gets difficult. Pressure has a way of revealing our character, exposing areas where we need to grow, and preparing us for what God has next.

The Apostle Paul reminds us in Galatians 6:9,

"Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart."

Notice the phrase "due season." Every season has an assignment. Every season has something God wants to accomplish in us before He accomplishes something through us.

That's why I encourage leaders to ask questions.

How can I grow through this?

What lesson is God teaching me?

How have I responded under pressure?

What needs to change in me?

Those questions require humility, but humility is one of the greatest characteristics of a lifelong learner. Leaders who continue to grow are leaders who continue to ask.

One of the greatest mistakes we can make is believing that changing our environment will solve our problems. We think another job, another opportunity, another city, or another relationship will fix everything. Sometimes change is necessary, but many times the real issue isn't around us. It's within us. If we don't learn the lesson in this season, we'll eventually have another opportunity to learn it later.

I've also learned not to chase perfection. Perfection will frustrate you. Progress will encourage you.

Every day I want to become a little wiser, a little stronger, a little more patient, a little more disciplined, and a little more like Christ. That's how leaders finish strong.

Remember this principle:

You have to be before you can do.

The person you are becoming today will determine what God can entrust to you tomorrow.

So don't waste this season.

Lean into it.

Learn from it.

Grow through it.

Become everything God has called you to become.

And never forget, God is for you.