What we allow to define us and where it leads us
Has a fleeting thought of losing something ever put your mind into panic mode?
It’s not like anything has happened yet. It’s just a thought. But the storm it unleashes inside alarms you to the reality that you have attached a significance to this something. So much so, that it triggers anxiety and fear should that something ever be taken from you. Maybe up to this point you have not consciously observed your emotional attachment to it, but at the latest now you sense the tightening of your grip on this something.
For a while, I have been running a one-woman show when it comes to my church’s senior-youth program. And while it seems daunting at times, somehow God has faithfully provided me with the grace to run with it and even more so, enjoy it. Over the last couple of weeks, however, the pressures at work have challenged me to the point where it has dawned not only on me but outside observers that I could use some help with this ministry – a team, so to speak.
Now, you’d think that the idea to get a team around me would be a relieving and exciting idea.
It should be. However, if you may recall my introduction to this post, you can get a vague idea of the panic this suggestion triggered in me.
Why?
Well, after some checking-in with my heart and allowing the Holy Spirit in on the process, I found an interesting truth. One that doesn’t merely apply to my youth-ministry dilemma; One that made me much more aware of my need for God’s word; One I decided was worth writing a blog post about. So here it goes…
Who are you?
If you were to ask me that question I would tell you about my job, my relationships (friends, family, etc.), my talents and interests, my ministry at church, my faith, some quirky attributes of mine, and some adjectives I identify with. All of those aspects hold a special value in my life. They are key elements I have learned to identify myself with – I am a teacher, a daughter, a friend, a writer, a youth leader, sporty, creative, and so on. Over the years I have seen in them my purpose and my worth.
Where does your worth lie?
Did I consciously make my worth dependent on these things? No, but take one of those items in the list away from me and my feeling of identity and significance will begin to crumble. Show me that I am replaceable and watch the agony rise within me (Youth-Ministry dilemma right there).
The bold truth though is that we believe ourselves to hold much more significance to this world than we truly do. And when reality hits – we lose our job, are overlooked by people, or simply are replaced – we are shaken to our core and wonder what our purpose in this world may be. Am I suggesting that you are of little to no worth – not at all! But I am suggesting that we have placed our value largely in the fleeting things of this world and its echo. And to this world, you are for the most part replaceable. If we insist on proving our value through our works, our position in society, the praises of people, or base it on how we feel about ourselves, we will stumble… a lot.
Now here is the part where I give you some passages from God’s word. Because A, any reasoning of mine will always come second to God’s word and the power it has to transform and speak to the very depths of your soul. And B, because the only source that will withstand any changes, shaking, and turbulence of this life and your emotions is God’s word (1. Peter 1:25). And as I believe He has intimately created you, I would suggest that He is the only reliable source to determine your value.
“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” (Psalm 139:13-14)
When we let go of the value the world has given us and begin to meditate on God’s truth, allowing it to redefine us, embracing how God sees us regardless of what our circumstances witness about us – there’s freedom. And my friend, the value God has bestowed on mankind – on you and me –has puzzled even the Psalmist:
“When I consider Your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon, and the stars, which you have set in place, what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them? You made them a little lower than the angels; you crowned them with glory and honor and put everything under their feet.” (Psalm 8:3-6)
“Because you are precious in my eyes and honored, and I love you […]” (Isaiah 43.4)
“God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son so that whoever would believe in him would have eternal life.” (John 3:16)
“For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love, he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will.” (Ephesians 1:5)
Wonderful isn’t it?!
Chosen, loved, precious, honored, and glorious!
Now, if you fear that these words would put anyone in danger of becoming proud, you are mistaken. The contrary is true. For if you read on in Hebrews 2:6-10, which quotes Psalm 8:3-6, you are reminded of Christ Jesus. All of your worth is based on Him. Everything you are – your creation and being, your significance, your right standing with God – it’s all in Him, through Him, and for Him (Colossians 1:16). No boasting left for you. And when you are humbled in this truth, seeing that God’s adorning love for you, and His purpose for you is all founded on what Christ did and who He is – well, no one and nothing in this world can take away or change that (Romans 8:38-39).
There it is, your rock-solid secure worth, Jesus Christ.
Putting this all back together in context with my Youth-Ministry.
I had believed that my position as youth leader in my church had added to my worth, given me a reputation with people and a purpose that I could identify myself with. And I was afraid of losing this meaning and position if anyone else would step into that space. It took God to humble me and remind me that I didn’t have to prove myself, didn’t have to care if people noticed me or not – for He, my God, sees me. I don’t have to cling to purpose or position. I am free to serve, love, and be all He desires for me to be in Christ; Free to pursue what is best for the Youth-Ministry.
It’s all because of Him and it is all that will ever matter.
May you take courage from God’s word today and allow God to redefine you according to His loving purposes. I pray that the Holy Spirit may reveal to you the places you have trusted in for your worth and significance and free your grip from them. That you may clothe yourselves in joy and contentment as Paul “I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things.” (Philippians 3:8) and throw off all discouragement and fear. “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20-21)
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