Russian dramatist, Anton Chekhov, from the late 1800s, is attributed to have quoted the following line, which is predominantly used as a theme in university majors like Psychology and in positive thinking seminars within companies. He said “Man is what he believes.” In October 2011, talk show host, Oprah Winfrey, in her Lifeclass series, “You become what you believe”, interviewed actor Jim Carey, author J.K. Rowling and fashion designer Ralph Lauren as those who put Mr. Chekhov statement to a test and proved him right. Though many may attribute this quote to Mr. Chekhov, and extend it as did Ms. Winfrey, close scrutiny of the Bible reveals this to be a statement, made by Jesus Christ himself.
Matthew 9:27-31 records the event of Jesus opening the eyes of two blind men, who followed him and cried unto him to have mercy on them. When Jesus asked them, “Do you believe, that I am able to do this?” (that is restore their sight), they responded, “Yes, Lord” and then, Jesus touched their eyes and told them “According to your faith be it unto you” which is rendered as “Become what you believe.” (in the Message translation). The eyes of the blind men were opened and they could see.
The Bible counsels us to be followers of God (Ephesians 5:1) which means we ought to be like Jesus, walking in love and presenting ourselves as a living sacrifice before God, as Christ loved us and gave himself for us as an offering and The Sacrifice (Ephesians 5:2; Hebrews 10:10). In order to be like Christ, we must first believe in him, for according to his words, we “Become what we believe.” Jesus is the Only begotten Son of God (John 3:16) and when we believe in him, we are made (not begotten) into a new creature (2 Corinthians 5:17), as children of God, for as many as them that believe in him (Jesus) and have received him, to them he gave the power to be called the sons of God (John 1:12).
Points to ponder:
If man is what he believes and we become what we believe, then the question that demands an answer is “Who are you?” Are you a son (or daughter) of God? In other words, have you believed in Jesus Christ, the Only begotten Son of God, who was sent by God, the Father, for everyone who believes in him, is given the power to be called a child of God and shall not perish but have eternal life. Who are you?
Matthew 9:27-34 (MSG)
27-28 As Jesus left the house, he was followed by two blind men crying out, “Mercy, Son of David! Mercy on us!” When Jesus got home, the blind men went in with him. Jesus said to them, “Do you really believe I can do this?” They said, “Why, yes, Master!”
29-31 He touched their eyes and said, “Become what you believe.” It happened. They saw. Then Jesus became very stern. “Don’t let a soul know how this happened.” But they were hardly out the door before they started blabbing it to everyone they met.
