1. Most children have dreams of being great or doing something noble with their life. (athlete, star, soldier, doctor, nurse, teacher) Parents may have unfulfilled dreams that they want their children to pursue. The world will put pressure on you to be popular, drink alcohol, do drugs, get rich and not to speak out on moral issues. But what about what God wants you to be?

2. Be Who God Wants You to Be

3. Introduction You have a right to pursue a career or job based upon your talents, abilities, and opportunities as long as it doesn’t violate the Scriptures. But what is our main purpose on earth? God wants mankind to “fear Him and keep His commandments for this is the whole duty of man” (Eccl. 12:13).

4. Be who God wants you to Be… in the Use of Your Time We have wasted too much time in sinful pursuits (Eph. 2:1-3; 1 Pet. 4:3; Titus 3:3). But God loved us & made us alive together with Christ (Eph. 2:4-7; 1 Cor. 6:9-11). We must make the best use of our time- the days are evil (Eph. 5:15-17; 2 Tim. 2:15).

5. Be who God wants you to Be… in the Use of Your Time Submit to God’s will first above your desires (Eccl. 9:10; Ps. 90:10; Lk. 9:23; Matt. 6:33) Are you fulfilling your responsibilities before God in the use of your time?

6. Be who God wants you to Be… in Your Attitude You must have the attitude of Christ (Ph. 2:5ff). Be grateful instead of grumbling so you can be a light in this world (1 Th. 5:18; Ph. 2:14-15).

7. Be who God wants you to Be… in Your Attitude When mankind fails to honor God, He allows them to reap what they sow (Rom. 1:21-32). “Clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for G OD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE ” (1 Peter 5:5).

8. Be who God wants you to Be… in the Use of Your Money God demands that we be good stewards of the wealth He has given us (Luke 16:1-14). Many are in debt so that they can’t provide for their house as they are commanded, give on the Lord’s day, or help the needy. (1 Tim. 5:8; 1 Co. 16:2; Eph. 4:28)

9. Be who God wants you to Be… in the Use of Your Money “The wicked borrows and does not pay back, but the righteous is gracious and gives” (Ps. 37:21).

10. Be who God wants you to Be… in Your Worship By coming today, you are reminded that God is faithful in keeping His promises so that we can hold fast to our faith w/o compromise. (Heb. 10:23-24) God forbid that we should forsake assembling with the saints to pursue selfish pursuits when we could be encouraging each other to love and good works (Heb. 10:25).

11. Be who God wants you to Be… in Your Worship When you truly realize the meaning of Christ’s sacrifice you will… …remember His death reverently (1 Co. 11:27) …sing joyfully (Eph. 5:19) …give cheerfully (2 Cor. 8:9) ….pray earnestly (1 Thess. 5:17) …receive God’s word with zeal (Acts 17:11)

12. Be who God wants you to Be… in His Service Because of God’s mercy, it is reasonable to offer our bodies as a living sacrifice (Ro. 12:1). We should be evangelistic, hospitable, & charitable (2 Ti. 2:24-26; Ro. 12:13; Ga. 6:10) Let us sanctify ourselves so that we can be prepared to be useful in His service. (2 Timothy 2:21)

13. Be who God wants you to Be… in Your Family Relationships If you are married, remember to keep your vows to your spouse and fulfill your responsibilities before God (Eph. 5:22-34). Too many have failed and the result has been destructive to children and the cause of Christ!

14. Be who God wants you to Be… in Your Family Relationships Parents, praise your children when they do right but correct them when they err with God’s word as your guide. (Eph. 6:4; Col. 3:21; Heb. 12:11)

15. Conclusion We had dreams of greatness in our youth but if God wasn’t in our plans it was a vain pursuit. Are you being who God wants you to be today? Do you have a grateful or grumbling attitude? Are you gracious in your giving or stingy? Are you enthusiastic or bored with worship? Are you serving the Lord or yourself?

16. Conclusion Are you keeping or compromising your vows? If you have failed in any or all of these areas, as a Christian, you can repent and receive forgiveness of sins and begin again to… …“Be Who God Wants You to Be”! If you are not a Christian, don’t delay to obey the gospel today before the Judgment Day! (2 Co. 6:2; Ax. 2:38; 2 Th. 1:7-9; Heb. 9:27)