You Become What You Behold: Five Scriptures to Remember

My first job after college earned me an apartment, a car, and spending money which went mostly toward clothing purchases. During those days, I opened Vogue magazine more often than I opened my Bible. I drooled over the latest fashions, scoured online shops, and took pride in my shoe collection.

It was easy to believe that I was simply drawn in by the beauty and art of well-crafted clothes, but I can see in hindsight that I placed some hope in those possessions. I hoped I would seem valuable and worthy because of what I wore, and I desired to be perceived as beautiful for my own vanity’s sake.

I know from talking to others that I’m not the only one who has placed her attention and affection on an object or an idea. The topics range from body image to big houses, movies to manicures, and video games to tech gadgets. The thing we’re spending time and energy on isn’t inherently wrong. To settle the issue of wrong versus right we have to examine our hearts and open ourselves up to be examined by God.

I still enjoy fashion and beauty products, but I no longer look to them to determine my worth. As my affections for Christ have grown, there remains less room in my heart and mind for the concerns of appearances.

While I wholly attribute this change to God’s great grace and mercy, I also know my deep affection for Jesus didn’t spring up overnight.

Because although I opened Vogue more than my Bible, I was still opening my Bible. And the words of one of those books led to life. The words of one continued to draw me back time and time again.

I’m grateful God answered the prayer of Psalm 119 in my life and that he can do the same for us all.

Incline my heart to your testimonies, and not to selfish gain! Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your ways.

Psalm 119:36-37

Here are four more Scriptures about the heart’s tendency to follow our eyes, causing us to become what we behold.

Here are five Scriptures about the heart's tendency to follow our eyes, causing us to become what we behold. #YouBecomeWhatYouBehold Click To Tweet

Beholding is Part of Sanctification

And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another.

2 Corinthians 3:18

Sanctification, the transformation of being made holy, is brought about by focusing our attention on God. When we see more of who God is, our awe and affection grow too.

Read more about growing in our understanding of God’s greatness here: The Gift of Smallness and the Path to Peace.

Beholding Feeds Renewal

Put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.

Colossians 3:10

We are renewed in knowledge. Knowledge of God and his ways comes by turning our eyes upon Scripture.

Beholding Reveals God’s Will

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Romans 12:1-2

As we let God accomplish his work of sanctification and renewal, we find ourselves equipped to follow him on the path of righteousness.

Beholding Shapes Our Faith

Their idols are silver and gold, the work of human hands. They have mouths, but do not speak; eyes, but do not see. They have ears, but do not hear; noses, but do not smell. They have hands, but do not feel; feet, but do not walk; and they do not make a sound in their throat. Those who make them become like them; so do all who trust in them.

Psalm 115:4-8

What we strive for and work at shapes our faith and trust—whether it be in God or in possessions.

Reading through these Scriptures reminds me of the hymn’s lyrics that beckon us to focus our eyes on Jesus: “The world behind me, the cross before me; no turning back, no turning back.”

Let’s heed Scripture and walk carefully giving Jesus the first fruits of our devotion and delight.

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If you’re ready for more biblically-based ideas on how to grow into the person God created you to be, check out these posts next:

1. Dealing With the Real Question Behind “What is My Identity in Christ?”
2. A Checklist to Change Your Mindset
3. How to Tame Even the Most Rebellious Thoughts

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