Behold to become

One of the most transformative principles in your life of worship is the idea of “beholding until you become.” This truth is anchored in the spiritual reality that what we focus on shapes us.

We are transformed into the image of what we consistently behold. The Apostle Paul captures this beautifully in 2 Corinthians 3:18: "But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord."

But this journey of transformation is about becoming empowered to live out God’s calling in fullness. Jesus Himself instructed His disciples to “tarry” until they were endued with power from on high (Luke 24:49). This speaks to the importance of waiting in His presence, beholding His glory, and being filled with His Spirit for the work He has called us to do.

What Does It Mean to Behold?

Beholding isn’t a passive act; it is a deep, intentional focus on Jesus. It’s more than merely seeing with our physical eyes—it’s perceiving with our spiritual eyes, setting our attention on God in a way that transforms us from the inside out. To behold is to give Him the space to imprint His character on our hearts.

Practically speaking, beholding includes:

Meditation on God’s Word: As we meditate on Scripture, we are gazing into the heart of God. His Word reveals His nature, His promises, and His ways. By consistently focusing on His Word, we allow His truth to renew our minds and transform our lives.
Worship and Adoration: In worship, we shift our attention from ourselves to God, allowing His presence to fill and transform us. Worship is a moment of deep connection where we behold God’s majesty and holiness, and in that encounter, we are changed.
Waiting on God: Just as Jesus instructed His disciples to wait in Jerusalem for the promise of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:4-5), there is a dimension of beholding that involves waiting. In prayer and stillness, we wait on God, inviting His presence to move within us, to empower us for what He has called us to do.

Tarrying Until You Are Endued with Power

Jesus’ command to His disciples to “tarry” (Luke 24:49) or wait in Jerusalem until they were clothed with power from on high gives us a picture of how beholding leads to empowerment. Jesus knew that the disciples couldn’t fulfill their mission in their own strength—they needed the power of the Holy Spirit to carry out His work. The disciples obeyed and waited in the Upper Room, spending time in prayer and unity, shifting their attention on God. As they tarried, they were beholding. And what happened next? On the day of Pentecost, they were filled with the Holy Spirit, and the power they received changed everything (Acts 2:1-4).

This is a model for us today. To behold until we become is to wait on God until His power fills us. It’s not just about being transformed in character, but also being equipped with the supernatural strength we need to live out God’s purpose. The more we behold, the more we are empowered by His Spirit.

The Process of Becoming

As we behold the glory of God, we are transformed into His image. This process of becoming is gradual—it happens over time, as we continually fix our gaze on Jesus. The more we look at Him, the more we reflect His nature in our lives. Just as the moon reflects the light of the sun, we too reflect Christ when we behold Him. We have no light of our own, but as we gaze at Jesus, His light shines through us. This is the essence of transformation—we become more patient, loving, kind, and holy as we behold Christ.

What You Behold Shapes You

What we consistently focus on shapes who we become. The world is full of distractions that vie for our attention—wealth, status, success, and even our personal struggles. If we fix our gaze on these things, they will shape our priorities, attitudes, and identity.

But when we intentionally choose to behold Jesus, everything changes. As we focus on His holiness, we become more holy. As we gaze at His compassion, we become more compassionate. His purity becomes our standard, not because of religious duty, but because of the transformation that happens as we behold Him.

The disciples were ordinary people, but by beholding Jesus and receiving the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, they became bold witnesses to the ends of the earth. This is the same invitation we have today—to behold Jesus, receive His power, and be transformed into His likeness.

Beholding and Power for the Mission

In addition to personal transformation, beholding prepares us for the work God has called us to do. Just as the disciples needed to be filled with the Holy Spirit before they could effectively carry out their mission, we too need God’s power to fulfill our purpose.

Acts 1:8 states, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses…” Beholding is not just about personal piety; it is about being empowered for service. As we spend time in God’s presence, waiting and beholding, He equips us with His strength to fulfill our unique callings.

We are not meant to rely on our own abilities. Instead, as we behold Christ and wait on the Holy Spirit, we are filled with supernatural power that enables us to live victoriously and serve others effectively.

Conclusion: The Power of Beholding

The call to behold until you become is both a call to transformation and a call to empowerment. As we fix our gaze on Jesus, we are not only changed from glory to glory, but we are also clothed with the power of the Holy Spirit, enabling us to carry out God’s work.

In a world filled with distractions, this principle is a reminder to prioritize time in God’s presence. By beholding Him in prayer, worship, and the Word, we allow His character to transform us, and His Spirit to empower us.

So, what are you beholding today? Let it be Christ. As you do, watch as His power fills you and transforms you into the person He has called you to be, ready to shine His light in a dark world. Just as the disciples tarried and were endued with power, so too will you receive power as you wait, behold, and become.