As a member of Jesus’ inner circle along with Peter and James, John had V.I.P. access. One of the expressions John appears to have picked up from private conversations with Jesus is “conforming to the Father’s will in purpose, thought, and action.” After ending one letter with this phrase, John alludes to the waiting process before God’s will is made clear. As Christians lift up daily concerns to the Lord, one prayer request should focus on what you shall be.
Beloved, we are [even here and] now God’s children; it is not yet disclosed (made clear) what we shall be [hereafter], but we know that when He comes and is manifested, we shall [[b]as God’s children] resemble and be like Him, for we shall see Him [c]just as He [really] is, 1 John 3:2.
Shall is one of those termed used in self-fulfilling prophecies. If you tend to be negative, ungodly beliefs will fill your mind with thoughts of failure that often come to fruition. Yet, if you learn to take your thoughts captive by implementing Paul’s advice in 2 Corinthians 10:5, what you shall be improves. Philippians 4:8-9 is a great verse to meditate upon to shift your attention to the positive aspects in life. As your perspective changes, so does the prospect of a brighter future.
If you know (perceive and are sure) that He [Christ] is [absolutely] righteous [conforming to the Father’s will in purpose, thought, and action], you may also know (be sure) that everyone who does righteously [and is therefore in like manner conformed to the divine will] is born (begotten) of Him [[r]God], 1 John 2:29.
Belief in one’s abilities in a step in the right direction. However, John suggests your degree of certainty that Jesus is the Christ is crucial to conforming to God’s will. When doubt or uncertainty creeps into your mind, your conviction and purpose in life will waver. If confidence in the power of the Holy Spirit to improve your life is restored, you will become closer to the person that God wants you to be. In the end, what you shall be is determined by the choices and decisions that you make daily.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 