If God Is Real, How Can I Be Who He Wants Me to Be?
Becoming Who God Created You to Be
Rise Up Message Series – Renovate Church
By Greg Russell
As we wrapped up our Rise Up message series, we ended with a deeply personal question:
If God is real, how can I be who He wants me to be?
This question assumes belief. It assumes a desire to live differently.
And that’s where transformation begins.
The Starting Point: Honest Self-Assessment
The Bible is clear:
“All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)
Becoming who God wants you to be begins with humility. Not denial. Not image management. Honest acknowledgment.
A powerful example is King David in 2 Samuel 11. After committing adultery and orchestrating murder, David is confronted by the prophet Nathan.
His response?
“I have sinned against the Lord.” (2 Samuel 12:13)
No spin. No blame-shifting. Just repentance.
Behavior Flows From the Heart
Jesus teaches that our actions flow from who we are internally:
“A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart…” (Luke 6:45)
Your heart — your inner will and spirit — is the command center of your life.
If you want lasting change, behavior modification isn’t enough. The heart must be renewed.
What Does God Want You to Be?
In Ephesians 4, Paul writes that we were created:
“To be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”
That means:
- Put off the old self
- Be made new in the attitude of your mind
- Put on the new self
Spiritual growth happens through renewing your mind — which reshapes your heart, which reforms your life.
Romans 12:2 says it plainly:
“Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
What Is the Good Life?
Underneath our struggle with obedience is a deeper question:
What is the good life?
We all pursue what we believe will make us happy — success, comfort, approval, pleasure.
But Scripture warns that the heart can be deceptive. If we define “good” on our own terms, we will drift.
Jesus redefines the good life in Matthew 5:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
The blessed life is found in the kingdom of God — life under His rule and reign.
Internal Transformation vs. External Religion
The beatitudes in Matthew five are actually Jesus’ warning that external rule-following isn’t enough.
The Pharisees looked righteous outwardly. But Jesus addressed internal motives:
- Anger is the seed of murder.
- Lust is the seed of adultery.
God is after the heart.
How Do We Become Who God Wants Us to Be?
Scripture gives us clear direction.
1. Desire Transformation
You must genuinely believe that God’s way leads to the best life.
If you don’t believe that, obedience will always feel restrictive.
2. Surrender Your Will
Spiritual growth often comes down to a moment of decision:
“Not my will, but Yours be done.”
When you feel the tension between what you want and what God says — that is your crossroads. Always trust that God’s way is better.
3. Seek God Wholeheartedly
Jeremiah 29:13 promises:
“You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart.”
Wholehearted pursuit includes:
- Consistent Scripture engagement
- Prayer
- Memorizing truth
- Acting on what you believe
Faith that never moves is not mature faith.
Final Thought
We pursue holiness not to be loved — but because we are loved.
If you’re asking:
“How can I be who God wants me to be?”
Start here:
- Tell the truth about your heart.
- Surrender your will daily.
- Seek Him fully.
- Trust that life under His authority is the true good life.
If you’re searching for a church in Centennial, Colorado where biblical teaching and spiritual growth matter, Renovate Church invites you to take the next step! Start by sending a message using the “Connect” tab above, or just visit in-person on a Sunday morning.