Being and Having : Living in Christ, Being and Receiving from God

The spiritual life is built around two essential concepts: to be and to have. These two verbs speak to us of our identity in Christ and of what God offers us through His grace. Understanding these concepts helps us to live in truth, please the Lord and receive His blessings for a joy-filled future.
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1. Understanding "Being" in Christ: Our Divine Identity

Being means who we are in the light of God's Word. The Bible teaches us that, when we accept Jesus Christ, we become a new creature.
"If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature. Old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." (2 Corinthians 5:17)
This means that our identity does not depend on our past mistakes or the opinions of the world. We are defined by the unconditional love of God and the truth of the Gospel.
- Principle 1: Assert your identity in Christ.
Remember every day that you are loved, forgiven and called to live according to God's will.
"Know that you are God's temple, and that God's Spirit dwells in you." (1 Corinthians 3:16)
- Principle 2: Renew your mind.
"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." (Romans 12:2)
By renewing your mind through prayer and Bible meditation, you strengthen your new identity in Christ.
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2. Understanding "Having" in Christ: Receiving Divine Blessings

Having refers to what God offers us: His grace, His spiritual gifts, and all the blessings given to us through the love of Jesus.
"For by grace you have been saved, through faith. And that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God." (Ephesians 2:8)
To be in Christ is not only to be transformed, but also to receive all that God has prepared for us.
- Principle 3 Be receptive to God's gifts.
God has plans for your future, plans of peace and hope.
"For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord, "plans for peace and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." (Jeremiah 29:11)
By remaining open to divine guidance, you allow God to transform your life.
- Principle 4: Live in gratitude.
Gratitude allows you to recognize every blessing you receive, big or small, and reminds you that everything comes from God.
"Give thanks in all things, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
Cultivate a grateful heart and you'll see God's hand at work in every aspect of your life.
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3. What "Being" and "Having" Reveal in Our Lives

By combining these two concepts, we discover that our value and our future do not depend on our personal successes or failures, but on the grace of God in Jesus Christ.
- I am what I think": Our thoughts, guided by the Word of God, shape our identity.
- My future is defined by my actions today": Living according to biblical teachings means building a future aligned with God's will.
- To be in Christ is to be transformed and renewed, and to have the ability to receive all that God has planned for us.
These concepts also teach us that living for the Lord means aligning our actions with His promises and remaining faithful to His word. We are called to be in Christ and receive His gifts, so that our lives reflect the light and love of our Savior.
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4. The Benefits of a Life Centered on "Being" and "Having" in God

1. Spiritual Freedom and Inner Peace :

Living according to our identity in Christ frees us from the pressure to prove our worth.
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything make your needs known to God by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7)

2. Personal Transformation :

When we anchor ourselves in God's truth, we are continually renewed, becoming instruments of His peace and love.
"If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature. Old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." (2 Corinthians 5:17)

3. Abundant Blessings :

Receiving God's gifts enables us to live in spiritual joy and prosperity, knowing that our future is in His hands.
"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16)

4. Strength and Resilience :

The combination of knowing our identity in Christ and receiving divine blessings makes us strong to face life's challenges. "I can do all things through him who strengthens me". (Philippians 4:13)
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5. A Captivating Story: The Journey of the Converted Pharisee

The New Testament tells the story of a Pharisee named Saul, who zealously persecuted Christians. His life seemed defined by the rigidity of the law and the harsh judgment he applied. One day, on his way to Damascus to continue his mission, Saul came face to face with the light of Jesus.
That day Saul heard a powerful voice saying to him:
"Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?" (Acts 9:4).
Blinded by the light, he understood that his identity was not defined by the law, but by God's grace. Transformed, he became the apostle Paul, a fervent messenger of the Gospel.
This story teaches us that we can always be transformed, and that our past does not define our future. When we accept that our identity comes from God, we are able to receive His blessings and live a new life.
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6. How to Live According to God's Principle of "Being and Having"?

To put these truths into practice, here are a few steps to follow:

1. Cultivate a Life of Prayer and Meditation :
o Take time each day to talk with God, listen to His voice and meditate on His Word.
o "Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you." (James 4:8)

2. Renew Your Spirit by Reading the Bible :
o Commit to reading the Scriptures daily to better understand your identity in Christ.
o "Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path." (Psalm 119:105)

3. Practice Gratitude and Forgiveness:
o Thank God for every blessing and forgive those who have hurt you, for forgiveness liberates and heals.
o " Give thanks in all things, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
o "Forgive one another, just as God forgave you in Christ." (Ephesians 4:32)

4. Live with Humility and Service :
o Seek to serve others and show Christ's love in your every action.
o "For the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." (Mark 10:45)

5. Affirm Your Identity in Christ and Confidence in the Future :
o Remember that your future is in God's hands and that you are a new creature in Christ.
o "For we walk by faith, not by sight." (2 Corinthians 5:7)
o "For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord, "plans for peace and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." (Jeremiah 29:11)
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Living by the principles of"to be and to have in God means recognizing that our identity and value come not from ourselves, but from God's infinite grace. This enables us to receive His blessings, affirm our identity in Christ, and live a life transformed by His truth and love.
Today, choose to let God's grace transform your life. Embrace your identity as a new creature in Christ and receive the gifts He has prepared for you. Let your life be a living testimony to God's power to renew, heal and transform all that seems lost or broken.

"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16)
May God's peace, joy and strength be with you every day. Go forward with confidence and perseverance, knowing that your future is in the hands of the eternal and faithful One.

Amen.