The Need to Focus on Who You Want to Become in the Future: Why Your Future Identity Should Shape Your Present Decisions
Introduction: The Power of Becoming
Every person is becoming someone. Whether consciously or unconsciously, every choice, habit, thought, and relationship is shaping your future self. The question is not whether you are becoming someone—but who you are becoming.
Many people focus only on what they want to do or what they want to have. But God calls us to a deeper focus: who we want to be. Your doing and having flow from your being.
This post explores the biblical need to focus on who you want to become in the future—why it matters, what Scripture says, and how you can intentionally grow into the person God has called you to be.
"But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." — 2 Peter 3:18 (NIV)
Section 1: Why Focus on Future Identity Matters CLICK TO KNOW YOURSELF
1.1 The Present Is Shaped by the Future You Aim Toward
"I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." — Philippians 3:14 (NIV)
| Without a Clear Future Identity | With a Clear Future Identity |
|---|---|
| Drifting through life | Purposeful direction |
| Reacting to circumstances | Acting with intention |
| Short-term impulses | Long-term perspective |
| Wasted potential | Maximized fruitfulness |
| Regret and confusion | Peace and clarity |
1.2 What You Need to Do Flows from Who You Are
The Bible emphasizes being over doing:
| Doing (Without Being) | Being (Then Doing) |
|---|---|
| Trying to earn love by works | Receiving love as a son/daughter |
| Serving from guilt | Serving from gratitude |
| Obeying to be accepted | Obeying because you are accepted |
| Working for approval | Working from approval in Christ |
"I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit." — John 15:5 (NIV)
Fruit flows from the branch. Doing flows from being.
Section 2: Biblical Examples of Future-Focused Individuals
2.1 Jesus: Focused on His Identity and Mission
| Aspect | Jesus' Focus |
|---|---|
| Identity | Knew He was the Son of God (Luke 2:49) |
| Mission | Came to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10) |
| Future joy | Endured the cross for the joy set before Him (Hebrews 12:2) |
2.2 Paul: Forgetting What Is Behind
"Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal." — Philippians 3:13-14 (NIV)
| Past Paul Did | Future Paul Aimed to Become |
|---|---|
| Persecutor of the church | Faithful apostle to the Gentiles |
| Self-righteous in law | Righteous in Christ |
| Bound by religion | Free in the Spirit |
| Zealous for tradition | Zealous for the Gospel |
2.3 David: A Heart After God
"I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart." — Acts 13:22 (NIV)
David did not become a "man after God's heart" overnight. He focused on becoming:
- A man who trusted God (Psalm 23)
- A man who repented quickly (Psalm 51)
- A man who worshipped deeply (Psalm 27)
- A man who led with devotion (Psalm 78:72)
2.4 Moses: From Shepherd to Deliverer
| Stage | Moses' Growth |
|---|---|
| In Egypt | Raised as a prince |
| In exile | Became a shepherd for 40 years |
| At the bush | Called by God to a new identity |
| In Egypt and wilderness | Became the deliverer and lawgiver |
His future identity was shaped in the quiet years of waiting.
Section 3: Step 1 — Know Who You Are in Christ (Identity)
3.1 Your New Identity in Christ
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" — 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)
| Old Identity | New Identity in Christ |
|---|---|
| Sinner | Forgiven son/daughter |
| Enemy | Friend of God |
| Slave to sin | Free in Christ |
| Lost | Found |
| Dead in trespasses | Alive in Christ |
| Orphan | Adopted child |
| No hope | Blessed with eternal hope |
3.2 Identity Statements to Embed in Your Heart
"You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession." — 1 Peter 2:9 (NIV)
Write these down and meditate on them:
- I am a child of God (John 1:12)
- I am loved with an everlasting love (Jeremiah 31:3)
- I am forgiven (Colossians 1:13-14)
- I am a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17)
- I am more than a conqueror (Romans 8:37)
- I am God's workmanship (Ephesians 2:10)
- I am sealed with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13)
Section 4: Step 2 — Envision Who You Want to Become (Vision)
4.1 Ask the Right Questions
| Wrong Question | Right Question |
|---|---|
| What do I want to have? | Who do I want to become? |
| What do I want to do? | What character do I want to display? |
| What will make me happy now? | What will bring lasting joy and meaning? |
| How can I get ahead? | How can I glorify God and serve others? |
4.2 Creating Your Future Vision
Imagine yourself 10 years from now:
| Area of Life | Who Do You Want to Be In? |
|---|---|
| Spiritually | Deeply in love with God, mature in faith |
| Character | Known for love, patience, integrity |
| Relationally | A loving spouse/parent/friend |
| Vocationally | Faithful steward of your gifts |
| Emotionally | Peaceful, resilient, joyful |
| Influence | Making a Kingdom difference |
"Where there is no vision, the people perish." — Proverbs 29:18 (KJV)
Section 5: Step 3 — Align Your Present with Your Future (Transformation)
5.1 Daily Choices Build Your Future Self
"Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows." — Galatians 6:7 (NIV)
| What You Do Today | Who You Become Tomorrow |
|---|---|
| Read Scripture | Wise and mature |
| Pray | Intimate with God |
| Obey God | Trustworthy and holy |
| Serve others | Loving and humble |
| Control your tongue | Peaceful and wise |
| Forgive | Free and whole |
| Persevere through trials | Strong and resilient |
5.2 Guard Your Heart
"Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." — Proverbs 4:23 (NIV)
| What You Allow In | Impact on Your Future |
|---|---|
| What you watch | Shapes your thoughts |
| What you listen to | Shapes your beliefs |
| Who you spend time with | Shapes your character |
| What you read | Shapes your mind |
| What you say | Shapes your relationships |
Section 6: The Role of the Holy Spirit in Your Transformation
6.1 You Cannot Become Who God Wants on Your Own
"Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit," says the LORD Almighty. — Zechariah 4:6 (NIV)
| Your Effort | The Spirit's Work |
|---|---|
| Choose to yield | Gives the desire and power |
| Make decisions | Produces fruit |
| Discipline yourself | Brings transformation |
| Take steps of faith | Guides and empowers |
6.2 The Fruit of the Spirit
"The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." — Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV)
This is the character of the person you want to become. Ask the Spirit to produce it in you.
Section 7: Common Obstacles to Becoming CLICK TO START NEW LIFE
7.1 Focusing on the Past
"Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead." — Philippians 3:13 (NIV)
7.2 Living by Feelings, Not Faith
"We live by faith, not by sight." — 2 Corinthians 5:7 (NIV)
7.3 Comparison with Others
"But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise." — 2 Corinthians 10:12 (KJV)
7.4 Fear of Change
"Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine." — Isaiah 43:1 (NIV)
7.5 Impatience
"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens." — Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NIV)
Section 8: Practical Steps to Focus on Your Future
8.1 Write a Personal "Who I Want to Become" Statement
Example:
"By the grace of God, I want to become a man/woman who lives fully in Christ, loves deeply, serves faithfully, speaks truth in love, remains resilient in trials, and leaves a legacy of faith for the next generation."
8.2 Review Your Progress Regularly
| Covenant | Action |
|---|---|
| Daily | Ask: "Did my choices today move me toward the person I want to become?" |
| Weekly | Reflect: "What did I learn about becoming? What habits need to change?" |
| Monthly | Evaluate: "Am I more like Christ than I was a month ago?" |
| Yearly | Set intentions: "What does God want to develop in me this year?" |
8.3 A Prayer for Becoming
Heavenly Father,
Thank You that You are not finished with me yet. You who began a good work in me will carry it to completion (Philippians 1:6).
Help me to focus on who I want to become in the future—the person You have called me to be. Give me wisdom to make choices today that will shape me into that person.
Renew my heart, transform my mind, and produce Your fruit in my life. Keep my eyes fixed on Jesus, who is the author and perfecter of my faith.
May I become all that You have destined me to be, for Your glory.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
Section 9: Conclusion — You Are Becoming Something
9.1 Summary
| Aspect | Truth |
|---|---|
| You are always becoming | The only question is what |
| Your doing flows from your being | Focus on identity first |
| God has a plan for your future | It is good (Jeremiah 29:11) |
| You cannot do it alone | The Holy Spirit empowers you |
| Each day is a seed | You reap what you sow |
| The ultimate goal | Christlikeness (Romans 8:29) |
9.2 The Ultimate Goal: Become Like Christ
"And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." — 2 Corinthians 3:18 (NIV)
The person you are becoming should increasingly resemble Jesus Christ.
9.3 Final Encouragement
"Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." — Philippians 1:6 (NIV)
You may not be where you want to be yet. But God is faithful, and He is at work in you. Keep focusing on the future. Keep making choices that align with who you want to become. And trust that God, who began the work, will complete it.
"Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose." — Philippians 2:12-13 (NIV)
Your future self is being shaped today. Choose who you want to become. And become it, by God's grace.
Quick Reference: Focusing on Your Future
| Step | Action | Scripture |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Know your identity | Meditate on who you are in Christ | 2 Corinthians 5:17 |
| 2. Envision your future | Write "who I want to become" | Proverbs 29:18 |
| 3. Align your daily choices | Make habits that shape your future | Galatians 6:7 |
| 4. Depend on the Spirit | Ask for the fruit of the Spirit | Galatians 5:22-23 |
| 5. Persevere | Keep pressing toward the goal | Philippians 3:14 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) CLICK TO EARN 20$ INSTANTLY
Q: Is it okay to want to become someone different from who I am now?
A: Yes. God is in the transformation business. He wants to change you into the image of Christ (2 Corinthians 3:18).
Q: What if I don't know who I want to become?
A: Start with the Bible. Look at the character of Christ and the fruit of the Spirit. Let that shape your vision. Then ask God for wisdom (James 1:5).
Q: How do I stay motivated when change is slow?
A: Remember that growth is a process. Focus on consistent small steps. And trust that God is faithful to complete His work in you.
Q: What if I've made bad choices that affected who I am?
A: God specializes in redemption. He can restore wasted years (Joel 2:25) and work all things for good (Romans 8:28).
Q: What is the most important person I can become?
A: A person who loves God with all their heart and loves others as themselves (Matthew 22:37-39). Everything else flows from this.
For Further Study
- The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren
- Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life by Donald Whitney
- The Spirit of the Disciplines by Dallas Willard
- Transformation by various authors
Reader Engagement
- Who do you want to become in the next 5-10 years?
- What is one daily habit you need to start today to shape your future?
- How has God been transforming you recently?
Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Scripture quotations are from the NIV and ESV, used by permission.
Meta Description: Why focus on who you want to become? Discover the biblical call to intentional transformation, vision, and Christlike character that shapes your future.
Keywords: who you want to become, future identity, biblical transformation, Christian character development, personal growth Bible, focused life, becoming like Christ, identity in Christ, daily habits future, God's purpose for your life
Your future self is being shaped today. By God's grace, choose well.
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