At the outset let me acknowledge that I debated which of these two titles I would give this discourse: "Toward Being Fully Human" or "Only then are You Fully Human." As inidcated, I chose "Toward Being Fully Human," primarily because being fully human is a process that continues as long as self-discovery produces personal growth. However, I recognized the value of the unselected title which is the paradigm or barometer a person can use to "look in the mirror," so to speak, and see where he stands, at any time, with regard to his advancement toward  becoming or being fully human.

A person is not born human, certainlty not fully human, in the true sense of the term. As a matter of fact, the creature referred to as a person is not a person, certainly not while the potential human-animal/creature is in and embryonic state, despite the claim of some people, including anti-abortionists to the contrary. The potential human and even the toward being fully human being from the cradle to the grave remains an animal. No one needs to have been influenced by Charles Darwin to realize that humans are animals. They are members of the animal kingdom with a biological construction not unlike that of a dog, which some people, in the American culture, refer to as "man's best friend."

Becoming a human is a process and being fully human is a lifetime or never-ending process. With determination and self-discovery a person can advance toward being fully human. Self-discovery can take place during any stage of a person's life.

At the opposite end of being fully human is being beast or, to  make it more palpable, beast-like. What the person is really saying or admitting when he says "It's only human to do, say or act, that way," is, that he is being a beast or doing the beast thing.

Ahead is the profile of the person advancing toward being fully human. He has four distinguishing characteristics. They are:

Unpredictablenesss. The fully human person is different each time you meet  him. It is likely that you will not be able to predict how he will behave, what he will say or do. However, you can take satisfaction in knowing that he will act responsibly although he may perform in ways that make you uncomfortable or expose you in a light that you prefer to keep hidden. When he greets you instead of shaking your extended hand he may hug you or just look into your eyes. His unpedictableness maybe conspicuous in his dress, speech and so on.

Responsibleness. As indicated earlier, the fully human person is responsible. He does the responsible thing and that includes accepting responsibilty for his behavior and the consequences of his behavior. He holds himself accountable, primarily to himself, in accordance with his own character and integrity. He does not rationalize or excuse himself for his behavior. For him making excuses is unacceptable.

Authenticity. The fully human person stands inviolate of his unique personality. He accepts the fact that he is one-of-a-kind, not a clone or imitator. He is genuine, truthful, honest and has real presence. Real presence is real love. It propels authenticity. Despite external pressures or internal agony he remains true to his essential self. He presents himself primarily to himself, but also to the world, as "This I am, this I believe, this I know, this I do. I am being the believing, the knowing and the doing." And beyond that, he transcends himself. 

Resoluteness. The fully human person has conviction and a firm detrmination charactrized by definitiveness of purpose and a commitment demonstrated in his resolve to be unpredictable, responsible and authentic. He is happy most times and possesses joy even when happiness eludes him.

Copyright 2011 by Uriah J. Fields

A Note to my Readers
I request that you email this email discourse to your friends. "Toward Being Fully Human" has already received acclaim from a good number of people.
Other self-help enlightening writings by Uriah J. Fields are available on the web site below. Check it out, especially the virtual "Mutuality World Community Church."

"The people read it and were glad for its encouraging message."
Acts. 15.31

.