February 12, 2013
Transformational Thought
What words come to mind when you’re asked to describe yourself? Funny, cute, talkative, athletic, active, tall, caring, hardworking? Sometimes we define ourselves by listing our failures and our negative traits. Shy, can’t catch a break, short, bald, never have enough money, not so smart, average. But God has a different perspective!
When we are followers of Christ, here is the contrast between our view and God’s. We say: I’m a failure. I can’t do anything right. God says: You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you. We say: I still feel guilty about things I’ve done in the past, even though I’ve confessed it all as sin and don’t do those things anymore. God says: If you confess your sins, I am faithful and just and will forgive you and cleanse you from all unrighteousness. We say: Sometimes I feel so unlovable. How can God possibly keep on loving me? God says: Nothing can separate you from My love. We say: I always seem to be worrying or fearful of losing my health, money, security, control. God says: The righteous are as bold as a lion.
So, why is there such a difference between God’s perspective and ours? It’s all between our ears. Unfortunately, Satan prowls like a lion, and his aim is to steal, kill, and destroy. No, we don’t need to guard against physical danger and harm. It’s much worse. Satan is executing a psychological assault to brainwash you so he can win the more important, powerful spiritual war. And if you let Satan in, you will lose. You’ll be devoured. Don’t let him in. Don’t take part in his activities. You know what is sinful most of the time. Don’t buy into his lies. Only God’s truth will set you free.
As people who have accepted Christ as our Savior and have made a commitment to follow Christ, God sees us as righteous and forgiven. He sees us as His treasures, as His children, as the heirs to His kingdom. We have the mind of Christ and the Holy Spirit in us. We have to learn to submit to and use these valuable resources, not set them on a back shelf, squander them and use cheap, ineffective imitations instead. Christ bought all this for you through his death and resurrection. The least we can do is use them on a daily basis.
Today, plan to stop a couple times, especially when you are struggling (little struggles or big ones – makes no difference). Assess how you are viewing yourself. Ask what steps you would have taken next on that former path to self-destruction, and why. Now contrast that with God’s picture of you and the reality of your circumstances. Often there’s a big difference. Search the scriptures to learn more about how God sees you. Ask Him to help you see yourself through His eyes. Only then will you understand your God-given identity. Then you can really be all you were created to be. We want to help you live the abundant life. Remember that the lens you us is your decision, so choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, Thank You for clothing me in the righteousness of Christ. Help me not to think too lowly … or too highly of myself, but to see myself as You do … and for the reasons You do … and to be grateful everyday for all the blessings of amazing grace You extend to me. I know I let Satan and the world trick me. Help me be more diligent with how I direct my thoughts and where and who I direct my worship to. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One who teaches me how to see myself, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say – AMEN!
The Truth
I am overwhelmed with joy in the Lord my God! For he has dressed me with the clothing of salvation and draped me in a robe of righteousness. I am like a bridegroom in his wedding suit or a bride with her jewels. Isaiah 61:19
But now thus says the LORD, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. Isaiah 43:1-3