What is Defining You?
We all pursue. We are all objects of pursuit. We always pursue that which we’ve allowed to form and shape us. What or whom we pursue defines who we really are. Pursuit doesn’t always determine activity. Lazy people pursue…they pursue slothfulness and idleness. That’s why pursuit is simply the evidence of what is shaping us. What shapes us is what defines us. And what defines us will grow larger and larger the older we get.
Then the question here should then be, “what is defining us?” And for the record, it’s not our success or our failure that defines us. If its success, we can’t be defined by what we do or have done. Our accolades are not our identification. In the same way, if it’s failure, we shouldn’t be known as a former adulterer, drug addict, thief or liar.
We all tend to fall in the trap of environmental identification. It’s not our environment that defines us; rather it’s our inner man. Our inner man has the choice of pursuit. And we can either pursue our environment, which desires to shape and define us, or the Word of God, which is spoken by the Spirit of God and through the person of God.
So here’s the clincher… Whatever we pursue we give permission to define us. And what defines us will enlarge us (good or bad – positive or negative). So, this means that God’s word, in us, must be given more priority then what’s around us. I’ve learned it this way… “Until our revelation becomes greater than our environment, we will always live a contained life.”
“Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us…” Eph. 3:20
Who or what are you pursuing? Who or what are you giving permission to define you?
I like that quote very much, “Until our revelation becomes greater than our environment, we will always live a contained life.” And I like it because when something click in our lives and we pursue the idea and the vision or person that will help us get to that place, the environment doesn’t matter anymore. Because now you are operating differently and with purpose.
I’ve been always to be like somebody else, or try to be what I do…. What I’m try to say is that your word yesterday came from God to whom I every morning asked every morning how to be a disciple and how to be under authority …. And bam open doors to be instructed and to accept my word from God through my Pastor which is the men of God.
Thank God for this opportunity to be lead in order to lead and lead many…
Thanks Javi!
The question was who or what pursuing? Who or what are you giving permission to define you?
This is the way I see it. I know for a fact that who I am today is because I allow my pastor”s to pour into me. what ever we pursue we give permission to mold us. Pursuing come with a prize and having to live in a glass house.
I will continue to Pursue my Pastors so I can become the man of God that he has called me to be. I will continue on my journey to impact the world along side my Pastors.
Thanks Marc!
I think you just gave me the respond I was needing. Yesterday, I was very frustrated because, How can a person be succesfull in one thing and totally fail in another??. It is what we persue, because it doesn’t really matter if you fail is the fact that you keep trying. But lets go a little bit further, I believe and many people will agree that society build us to persue some times a unrealistic dreams, for example the American Dream and nothing more spiritual like to reach people and help others. The structure needs to change we can help our children to persue more of God and less of man.
Good word Carla!
Lately. I think I have been a little lazy. I haven’t really been pursing anyone or really striving after my goals. I looked at them last week and decided to hit the game plan again. I can believe God’s word for someone else, but when it comes to me sometimes I have to think twice. May I get it together and start pursuing God and the people that he has placed in my life to achieve my destiny. I know it is appointed for everyone to die and I want to fulfill purpose so I just pray that I step outside the box and begin to pursue like never before and finish the race.
I’ll be praying for you Jazz.. You can do it!
Just as we attract what we honor and respect, we also pursue what we honor and respect. We go after what we give value to, what excites us, what we have passion for. The people/things you are always running after is what is most important to you.
The word you brought yesterday revealed and reminded me that for whatever reason, I have given up on pursuing man (a mentor, guidance, etc.) like I used to when I first came to church, and instead have been trying to climb up that holy mountain all by myself. So wrong. Yes we must pursue God on our own but ALL of us, no matter how mature in Christ, need a spiritual father, and we should be pursuing that person just as we pursue God. I need to allow not only the Holy Spirit, but people to pour into me again.
Great observation Judith!! Locating yourself is half the battle!
I believe what defines you is a accumulation of intake. Intake of what ? Friends, experience, trials, process, culture, family, environment, will and intent, mentors, spiritual father ect. All this play a role in defining you and who you are. I also belive that your will and intent plays a major role.
Will – desire, disposition, inclination, passion, appetite
Intent – your design or purpose to commit.
If you have passion and desire for something you will run toward it.
Your intent or commitment to it will get you to the finish line.
And your outward action will merely reconfirm it.
What is defining me?
My desire for more of God, My passion for his presence.
My intent is what has kept me in a relationship with God.
I am committed to follow him until the end. Because with out
Him I will never know what I was design for. My purpose.
Sylvia
Good word Sylvia…. Very Good Word!!
I think some times I forget why I am here and what my purpose is and how much I need God in a daily basis in my life. I get caught up on my own routine and familiarities. Some times I stop being obedient to the holy spirit and slowly stop pursuing him. I start pursuing my own thoughts and what ” I ” think is important. I have realized that my thoughts are sometimes confused and selfish and consisting of my own life forgetting that theres more than just me and my issues. But God allows me to fail sometimes to make me realize what I am really doing here and what we truly need to pursue. So I must repent daily and continue pursuing him. Thank you Pastor Manny for helping me realize what direction I need to be in.
Geo, I pray that the Lord continues to reveal to you the direction that you are heading! Stay the course…
Pastor this is Gellys response Geos response is lower down
I truly believe that what is defining me and what I am pursuing more than anything is that I fulfill the purpose that God has for me. I daily ask God who am I? I do not what to do but be. I am far from perfect but thank God for his mercy and grace. I am able to be part of a house that has a vision and mission to impact this region. It is my responsibility to pursue the presence of God in my life and in allowing God, Pastors and leaders to direct me in the path that will cause the purpose of our church to come to past.
Good word Jalina, as always!!
I am pursing Jesus. I want to be and do his ways. I know without a doubt that I could never be as perfect as him, but I can follow his ways to the best of my abilities. My question to you would be – Can I tag along and pursue you to learn more about him and his ways? 🙂 LOL …… Thank you Pastor Manny for all you are doing to keep us alive in Jesus. It’s by “US” pursuing you and you teaching “US” Jesus ways, is why I am a better and a wiser man that I was yesterday.
Peter, the answer is an ABSOLUTE YES!!! 🙂 Your response is the very reason why I shared what I did yesterday!
My purpose is to become the man that God as created me to be and is to speak to the youth about the grace and glory of God to bring understanding in their minds.
I believe that when you pursuit something and you want it bad you will do anything your power to get it. we know that if you want to get closer to God we have to pray and follow the word that is given to us.
Good thought Manny!
Pursuit is a big one for me. It means submitting and allowing someone to have complete access to your life. You’re opening yourself up and placing a trust in someone to lead, guide, direct and shape you. They speak into your life. People will always pour into your life if you let them, but even then I don’t think they touch the surface of who you are. The people you pursue are the one’s you allow to touch and dig deeper into you. They completely hold you accountable and don’t give you any leeway. They call you on things where you won’t let others do the same. I do not take lightly the people I pursue. There’s this protective wall you want to place up. That can be either a hindrance or block for me.
April… I believe your observation will be the key to grow you into the Woman of God you are destined to be.
This is so true! I thank God for loving me the way He does because he brought me from Peru and placed me here with all of you so I could be shaped into the woman of God that I am, to be taught and equipped properly, to RE learn in my case what authority and submission really is, to learn how to truly love the way God loves us (still in the making! I know it’ll grow more the more I seek God’s presence) and everything I’ve been receiving from my leaders and Pastors. My desire is to pursue God wholeheartedly and I’m letting the word of God to define me everyday in spite of everything! My desire is for me to learn everything I can from you Pastor too without making an emotional decision and I know it’ll be uncomfortable at times- or very- but I’m truly looking forward to receive from you the way you told us yesterday as you opened up to us, I felt this is THE opportunity that maybe all of us were waiting for. I believe the relationship and the way you poured out unto your “first” group of leaders was totally different than the way you were maybe planning with us but like you said yesterday God told you to open up yourself once again…I really thank you Pastor for your teachings and guidance and commitment and love for God and people (us ) looking forward to receive from you and Pastora in a more challenging and deeper way.
Joselyn… WOW!!! Thank you for “SEEING IT!!” Thanks for connecting with my heart!
My pursuit has changed gradually since I started coming to Impact Church. When I first came, I pursued having friends. Those friends brought me to truly knowing Christ and that caused me to pursue more knowledge of Him and my purpose in Him. I was later interning in the ministry while learning about my purpose through pursuing Pastor Manny as my spiritual father. That pursuit is not the same today as it once was. I have found myself shying away from the purpose I once was seeking so passionately…I guess it is fear and conformity. If I were to ask what defines me, I would say a person who is following the path he needs to follow but at a comfortable, careful distance. I am glad that pursuit was taught at leadership Sunday as it revealed to me that I no longer do it like I used to. I must pursue again more passionately than before.
Thanks for sharing Rudy… Yes, conformity is what we need to break! I’m proud of you… Keep pursuing!
For years I have been pursuing my purpose in prayer. Daily I pursue God’s will for my life & my family through reading God’s word & prayer. I am planning on finding someone who is sucessfully doing what I want to do. I do desire to just spend more time at the feet of Jesus but like Martha, that is quite challenging.
Andrea… You are wise in daily pursuing God’s purpose in our life! Your gifting and calling of prayer is invaluable and precious to this ministry! Keep pressing.
Until I found Impact Church, my life was a blur just trying to survive.
I felt I was a failure. I just kept going around the mountain. Now I am taking small steps but I am going up. Through your teachings and
God,s love I am moving forward with purpose, goals and dreams for
the Kingdom of God and my life.
Cindy, I’ll tell your story until I die! Love you much!
In reading this blog I have asked myself some defining questions.
What is important, what is worth wanting, chasing, pursuing? What things are important and what things are trivial? Am I chasing after the wind? What meaningless pursuits am I involved in? These questions remind me of King Solomon as well. He said “I denied myself nothing my eyes desired; I refused my heart no pleasure. My heart took delight in all my work, and this was the reward for all my labor. Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun.” The word meaningless here means breath. It refers to things that are fleeting, transient, futile. Another translations says it is like smoke. Here today but gone tomorrow. It leaves no imprint! This blog has caused me to ponder on who I am. Defining myself will better assist me in determining my current pursuit. Will my current pursuit cause me to leave behind a legacy? Will I leave behind an imprint? Or will my pursuits prove to be futile and fleeting, causing my life’s effort to be as smoke? You said it best Pastor, “God’s word, in us, must be given more priority then what’s around us.” It is only the Eternal word of God that can define and shape our lives for Eternal lasting purposes. I will not answer any of my questions on this blog post but lets just say I got much tweaking to do. Thank you for sharing. .
A very good Johnny word and a must read everyone!!
Pastor there is so much I can say about this subject because it is in STILL in Marc and I …… There is no personal destiny outside corporate destiny….I can start with Rom 13:1-2 God appoints all existing authority; no one can be in a position without His authority. Marc and I have learned to be under authority THE FEAR OF THE LORD BREEDS HONOR!!! That is why when we are confronted with truth we can respond two ways defensive or humble and broken…..In order for us to be broken we must submit under authority….”It is hard to understand kingdom principals with a democratic mind set” How can we then pursuit the callling of God in our lives…..Doing it our way??? Then we most notice the promise…. Rom 12:2 provision and protection in exchange for our submission to His authority… and anointed. My heart’s desire is not to forget the very thing that brings us life….that is why one of my favorite scripture is Rom 12:2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. I need more and more of him I am here to continue to submit to authority of this house and God’s appointed. Keep challenging us so we may continue to grow and do the very thing God has intended for us to do…
Very well said Xiomie!! I thank God what He;s done in your and Marc’s life!
Most people take a failure and that failure lingers and yes it defines us. Something that I have challenged myself with is that anytime I fail, I look to God and say “you have made me grater” in the past I have let my failure define me and not allow me to move forward, making me hesitate in my decision making. A wise man once told me “failure is not final”. Now my failures only make me stronger, and bring me closer to Christ. Day by day i find my self in Christ.
Well said Andy… Keep pressing – DONT QUIT!!
Great Blog!! lol just kidding.
I believe that the correct answer would obviously be i pursue God but is that what i’m truly pursuing at all times and everywhere? When asked if you have to describe or define Geo do I really think people would say oh he’s a great man of God or Geo is a true Christ follower? Probably not i mean alot of people might but I think depending on the answer that is given by the people you can really define yourself. If some say about me oh he’s funny does that mean im wasting too much time being funny but what if someone says he’s a very good guy is that a bad thing because they dont see me as a child of God but only a good person? My thoughts before were simply it doesnt matter what people think of me as long as God knows i love him and desire him and eventhough that does have some truth to it we must also remember that we represent God and he wants to see himself in us. Also by representing God people are always observing us daily to see our flaws or mistakes because they know we are followers of Christ. So it is highly important what others think because it will show you what you are showcasing by your lifestyle. But of course we cant get completely caught up on what others think and let that rule our lives but know that if you are truly pursuing God it will show and his light will be undeniable. So basically what im saying is simply put our ultimate goal should always be to pursue God and reflect him in us eventhough we will never obtain reaching his level we must DIE trying. Pursue God and one day be completly defined as nothing else but a man of God which fulfilled his purpose in life is were i want to be.
Great word Geo and very well said! I see God doing so much in your lives!! Keep growing!
I realized about a month ago that I have not actively been in pursuit of God. I wanted to draw closer to God and find my true purpose. I started reading, ” Time to get Serious” by Tony Evans. I was drawn to read that because he stressed enough of spoon-fed spirituality and Sunday-morning religion! It’s time to get serious- to get deep into God’s Word and start exploring your most important relationship for yourself. I listened to a prophetic word that you spoke over my life Pastor and you confirmed that God has a greater purpose for me than just working for Coca-Cola. You encouraged me to study God’s word and I think it’s time I got serious about that.
Cesare – If you can only see what I see in you!!! I’m excited about your forward progression!
Hello sir,
My heart’s been set on Jesus but my eyes keep gazing away.( Like when Peter got off the boat and walked on water for a bit then shifted his focus when he saw the wind, became afraid and began to sink.) I’m going through transitions that are new to my walk with Christ in which I’m learning how to steward time and prioritize. For the past year and a half all I’ve known and done is God, now somethings have shifted like areas of increased responsibility, career and allowing someone (aside from God) in my heart. Its a mouthful i just pray I don’t choke! All I know is that God works all things for good for those who love Him. I need to REFOCUS and walk in His purpose.
Thank you for your patients and for not giving up on us. We are sheep (not very bright)
THANK YOU!!
Luis Garcia
Great word Luis!! I see something BIG happening in you!
For the past months I have being persuing my career. As you say Pastor, that we tend to fall in the trap of envirommetal identification and we let what we do define us. Honestly I can say that I’m one of them, and I let me job defines me instead of being define by God. Your teaching on Sunday made me question myself, think and change my priorities. My desire is to persue God but also the godly men and women that are in my life. It is time for me to step out of conformity and let God to use me for his kingdom.
Wow Jessica, locating yourself is half the battle! Keep pressing!
After reading this blog, I started thinking about what I’m pursuing and I’ve noticed that from time to time I tend to allow the work of the ministry be what defines me…just because it’s work in the ministry, it doesn’t necessarily mean that its a good thing – meaning if I’m focusing too much on it but really not pursuing what I really should it could hurt me at the end instead of help me. The more I ponder and think about, I realize the adjustments I need to make in order to pursuit what will take me to the next level.
Good thoughts Mel!
I believe and know in my heart that this Christian life is valuable and worth my pursuit and I will continue to pursue it. I do desire that it be more about God speaking to me than all the activities I am blessed to do. I desire to experience a physical touch from God. I’m my quiet prayer time it is hard for me to quiet my mind and hear from God. At times I have certainty that I hear from God but other times I don’t think I do. The day in church that I went up the altar to receive the Holy Spirit I really wanted it and still do. I did feel a swaying back and forth which was involuntary. I know that it was the Holy Spirit I desire a touch from the Holy Spirit in everything that I do. I want a deeper connection with the Lord. What do you suggest that I do Pastor Manny. I trust in your guidance.
Elisa…. Don’t change anything! Keeps pursuing His presence ,more and more and more!!! Your hunger for Him will bring you to a place of receptivity! You will see!!! Your hunger for Him will define you! It will transform you into a woman of God!!! Keep pressing!!! Keep pursuing!!! I so proud of you!!!
Sometimes i’ts hard for me to define me, so I think of how others “describe” me to get an idea of what “defines” me and… Ouch!!
Clearly I’m not pursuing what I should be. I definitely need to readjust my priorities and make sure I continuously look in the mirror to make sure I maintain my focus.
There are times though when I want to pursue but I let fear of rejection or of being misunderstood stop me. I have to realize that if I really want the change though I have to pursue no matter what I have to face. It’s scary but necessary if I truly want to be defined differently.
I’ve also learned that just because I’m around someone or something all the time, I’m not necessarily pursuing that person or thing specifically, ie.: if I spend time around you and your family all the time but I’m not asking you and PV questions and seeking wisdom and knowledge from you I’m just pursuing a fun time not growth.
Time to learn how to pursue the things that matter and that I WANT to define me.
Jen…because of your proximity it does become more difficult to pursue… but when you can turn that around, by not allowing familiarity to take hold, you’re in a more advantageous place of learning and growing. Great word and very well communicated!
More than ever before I am in full pursuit of completing the will of God in my life and purpose for which I was created. My sole desire is to hear the words one day that say “Good and faithful servant” come from the mouth of my Lord. I am in pursuit of learning, growing and developing the character of Christ in me that will flow through me to impact my generation. I don’t have time for business as usual, the status quo and conveniences of conformity. I am on a mission and it’s to live life to the fullest for Christ, with purpose and on purpose each day. I am looking for those who will help me take a generation for the Kingdom. There is no time to waste.
I pray everyone in our church had the focus and resolve to know and do the will of God as you do.
After reading this blog and reflecting on it, the answers that I found weren’t the ones I needed them to be. Wish I could say it’s been only a few months, but if I’m being honest with myself, it’s been almost a year since the shift in my pursuit began. I say began only because it happened gradually, it wasn’t an overnight shift but rather one that took place slowly.
It is obvious that I have allowed my external environment to define me for a while, with major transitions and adjustments, coupled with waves that just keep coming one after the other, not even allowing me to regain a firm footing.
You are right Pastor, I choose what I will allow to define me. Choosing to allow my environment to define me rather than the word of God has me contained and living small, I would also attribute my frustration and wanting to quit to this.
The upside is that it is more important now than ever to make conscious decisions to break this, to shift my focus and to allow Him to define me. Let the journey begin!
Simone I’m walking this journey together with you!
I feel a lot like Simone. I kind of feel like I’ve been stagnant… Kind of waiting around for something to happen. Knowing all along what needs to be done. It’s like being in line for the diving board for the first time. You have to wait for the brave one to step out and just go and when you get there it’s still scary but you just have to take the leap of faith… And when you do you realize how awesome it really is! One step at a time… That’s what I’ve been talking myself.
Im praying for the ay that you will take the leap!! Love it… Very proud of you!!
I know that be need to be defined by the grace of God, and walk on it. And sometimes we see each other trying to find someone to defined us, when we need to defined ourself in God…. Without him we can’t do it. So I want to keep seeking his face to know more about who I am in him.
Lesbia… Your pursuit will define you!
Hi pastor, en mi pais existe un refran muy popular que dice: “dime con quien andas y te dire quien tu eres”. En otras palabras, si persigo a perdedores sere un perdedor, pero Si persigo a personas de exito y aprendo de ellos, sere un exitoso. Por eso me aseguro seguir a personas con caracter definido y con deseos sobre todo que repeten y amen a Dios. Sin duda Si seguimos este principio no hay manera de fracasar en alcanzar nuestro proposito en la vida.
Exitos… Roman R.
Roman… Very well said – very good thinking!
I’m pursing the word of God. I’m making many efforts to change my environment to read more. I’ve been challenge in many areas in my life which the word can provide a clearer picture for me and my family. It has define my life and I know it will continue to do so.
So is this Word self taught and self understood?
I am pursuing the the person (personality and characteristics) that I now understand God is calling me to become. The “work” is to silence the present person I am from speaking more into my life, and jealously reserve that privilege to the ‘I am’ of Christ.
For a little over a year now I’ve been using only the abundance of fruit of the spirit to measure progress…let’s just say there’s still A LOT of growth left. Regardless, I’ve learned that God is faithful, and so we must be too in order to receive from Him. Scarce, or sporadic fruit is simply the evidence that more tenacious pursuit in the Spirit is needed. After all, He does not intend to keep it from us.
Would you say there is a specified time for processing or does it come down to surrender?
David… the processing never ends. As soon as we reach one level of influence, the process begins immediately for the next level of effectiveness in the Kingdom. “Surender speeds up the process of maturity, therefore ultimately allowing you to be more effective with the time allotted to you in life.
In my opinion, as we mature in our faith, we should be more and more confident about the convictions that the Holy Spirit is putting inside of us through His Word, and let them to shape and mold us.
Off course we will always need mentors and a father to enlighten our blind spots.
Yes… we need both!