Listen to this statement from a book I am reading…
“We are free when we are able to give without always expecting a thank-you, and serve without always getting the credit. We won’t always have to be right, first or noticed because those things won’t define us. Jesus will.”
Do I hear an AMEN in the house?
I also think I heard an “uh-oh” or two (or more). Did that statement just make you question your freedom? Yeah, me too.
Let’s take a quick test:
- Do you expect a “hand-wave” from the driver of the car you let in your lane?
- Do you want others to know you helped out a needy family?
- Do you raise your hand during praise and worship songs because you think it makes you look more Godly?
- Do you bring a meal to the pastor’s daughter when she is sick because maybe you’ll get noticed?
- Do you have to have the last word?
- Do you correct others so they know you know the answer?
- Do you dress in a way to make yourself noticed by others?
Did you answer “yes” to any? If so, you are not free.
I know, I know. It’s not popular to be so black and white. It’s easier… and more acceptable… to live in the gray area. But this so-called “religious tolerance” is not always correct. This is one of those areas.
John 8:36 tells us… “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”
When we work for the acceptance, recognition or approval of others and use that to define us… we are in bondage. Plain and simple. Don’t you see? We are giving others the power to tell us who we are (or who we aren’t)… how valuable we are… and our level of worth.
Unless we find our identity in Christ, we will try to define ourselves based on worldly standards… or even worse, allow others to do it for us. As I tell my children when they are about to make a bad decision, “That will not end well for you.”
But here is the key to a solid identity: We know who we are by knowing whose we are.
God loves you! You see, you were God’s idea and part of His grand plan. He formed you… gave you life… appointed a purpose for you… and stands by you through it all. What better identity is there?
Because of the work Christ did on the cross for us, we… are… free. You are free. Our identity is in Him alone! Let’s embrace this and own it and believe it… and act like it.
Be FREE my friend!
