Book Review: Beholding and Becoming by Ruth Chou Simons
“And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.”—2 Cor. 3:18 (ESV)
Book Information:
Author: Ruth Chou Simons (I featured another book from Ruth for Christmas.)
Pages: 224
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers
Year: 2019
In 16 short chapters, Ruth pairs two complementary ideas. The first half of each chapter focuses on a characteristic of God to examine and ponder. The second half explores how who God is shapes us and changes us.
I actually listened to Ruth read her book the first time around so I did not see all her illustrations. Her writing is as beautiful and soothing as her artwork. This is no coffee table book that is merely decoration. Her words have wisdom and substance.
I was captivated right from the start. The first chapter was about beholding God’s greatness in creation, paired with the reminder that it’s okay for us to be small. This is a lesson I need so much today—but it comes not by me looking at myself and scolding myself.
Rather, God invites us to look at Him, to remember His greatness. As I do, I begin to see Him properly—which allows me to also adjust my perspective of myself. Without scolding or put downs. Just gentle reminders through a perspective shift.
And that is the general tenor of the book. It calls us to lift our eyes to look at our good and gracious God—and as we do, we begin to see ourselves rightly as well. This becomes the foundation for growth in the likeness of Christ.
Reflective Summary:
It is in our DNA to worship. The unregenerate heart will worship anything other than God.
For those of us who have been transformed by Christ, we still default to these old patterns. Our flesh trends towards these lesser appetites. They need to be retrained.
But the interesting premise of this book is that this retraining doesn’t come by doing more or chastising ourselves. These are still self-focused and quickly turns the Christian life into a list of do’s and don’ts.
Rather, Ruth’s reminder comes from 2 Cor. 3:18—retraining comes as we fix our eyes on God. This is so simple, yet so difficult. We are prone to wander, as the hymnwriter observes, but the real key to our transformation is this simple discipline: learning to turn our eyes to God.
What I appreciate about this book is that this is a call to behold God not merely on Sundays at church but in the everyday moments of life. Throughout the book, Ruth offers many suggestions—all beautifully presented—of ways we can behold the Lord in the ordinary.
For that is where real worship happens. This turns every moment into a worship moment. It challenges us to consider what we are worshipping as we do daily chores or face unexpected interruptions. If it is not God, I will worship something else—and my life will follow suit.
What we behold is what we become. And the sobering thought in this day and age is that many of us (myself included) spend more time beholding our devices than we behold God. Not only are we not looking at Him, we are spending more time being shaped by things other than Christ.
A Quote and a Question:
“The question isn’t whether we will use our everyday moments to worship because we will—in the midst of ordinary places, people, sights, sounds, joys, and pains. How we direct our eyes, minds, hearts, and hands in the everyday will determine whom we ultimately worship and what we ultimately become. We were made to behold Him and be transformed in Him. The art of everyday worship is the journey from canvas to masterpiece. This is my invitation to you to be transformed, one everyday moment at a time.”
If someone were to observe you in your everyday moments, what would they conclude about who you worship?
What directs your eyes, mind, heart and hands each day? What is most urgent? Your to-do list? What others want of you? Your emotions?
What are some ways you can behold God in your everyday moments? How might they transform your service through your work, care for your family, or ministry?
