You Become What You Behold

My brother is a few years older than me. For a short time as a child, I remember following him around repeating the things he said and copying what he did. I imagine that may have been a little annoying to him, but for me it was simply a way of learning.

Even now, as adults, we often do the same thing without realizing it. We pick up the mannerisms, phrases, and habits of those we spend the most time with. Sometimes married couples even begin to sound alike or look alike as the years pass. Slowly, subtly, we are shaped by the people we spend time with.

In many ways, we become like what we focus on. What we behold, we begin to reflect.

Reflected Glory

Moses spent forty days and nights on Mount Sinai in the presence of God, receiving the Ten Commandments and the plans for the tabernacle. When he came down from the mountain, he was unaware that his face was shining with the glory of God. Time spent in God's presence had left its mark on him (Exodus 34:29–35).

Moses did not set out to shine—he simply spent time with the Lord. And the glory of God was reflected in him.

Scripture reminds us:

"So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image."

— 2 Corinthians 3:18 (NLT)

Becoming Like Christ

In the same way, we are invited to spend time with Christ. Scripture tells us that Jesus is “the image of the invisible God” and “the radiance of God’s glory.” As we behold Him—through Scripture, prayer, and daily obedience—we are changed.

Not all at once, and often without realizing it, but truly and deeply.

We may not see the transformation in ourselves, but others will. As we fix our eyes on Jesus, His love, humility, and grace begin to shape our thoughts, our words, and our lives. Like Moses, we reflect the glory of the One whose presence we have been in.

An old hymn captures this truth so beautifully:

“Turn your eyes upon Jesus,

Look full in His wonderful face,

And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,

In the light of His glory and grace.”

— Helen Howarth Lemmel, “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus”

Prayer

Lord, help us to turn our eyes to You. And as we behold Your glory, help us to surrender all, allowing You to make us more and more like Christ. In His Name. Amen.

Take Action:

1. Practice Intentional "beholding"

Set aside 10–15 minutes a day this week to simply be in Christ’s presence — reading a Scripture, praying, or sitting quietly before God and listening for His voice.

2. Examine what has your attention

What do I focus on throughout the day?

Who or what is shaping my thoughts, emotions, and reactions?

Choose one distraction to intentionally limit so you can redirect your attention to Christ.

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