By Richard Boone
A few months ago I was watching Walt Disney’s Lion King one night with my two daughters. In this movie the main character, Simba, is searching for his identity and place in the “circle of life” as the future king of his pride. In one scene he makes contact with his dead father, King Mufasa, through the sorcery of the sage baboon Rafiki. During that seance Mufasa said, “Simba, you are more than what I have become!” I had heard that line several times, but this time it hit me like a ton of bricks. The moral? Become what you are capable of being rather than settling for what you are! How many times do we as Christians settle for what we are rather than becoming what we can? Are you more than what you have become . . .
As a personal disciple of the Lord? Is your personal relationship (scripturally defined) with Jesus as it ought to be, or are desires and tangles of life hindering your service (cf. Mark 10:17-22)?
As a student then teacher of the Bible? Compared to where you were in your understanding of God’s word a year ago, how far are you progressing in 1998? This is a vital part of strengthening and maintaining your personal relationship with Jesus (1 Pet. 2:2). We must not, however, keep what we learn to ourselves; we must also share it with others (2 Tim. 2:2; Matt. 10:1; Acts 3:6; 20:35).
As an active member of a faithful local church? Each member of a local church impacts the other members who comprise a local church (Rom. 12:4-5; 1 Cor. 12:25). We must do all we can to insure that our impact is positive, not a hindrance to a local work.
As a contributing family member? Each member in the fleshly family has specific roles (Eph. 5:22-6:4). Are you, as a spouse, parent or child, being what you can and should be, or are you settling for what you are?
As a good citizen in your community? We are to be good citizens, thus good influences on those around us (Rom. 13:1-7; 1 Pet. 2:14-17). How well does your light shine in your community? Are you hiding it under a bushel or keeping it on the lampstand God gave you?
For the benefit of all, are you more than what you have become?