*PG-13 version
*Please look the scriptures up and read them for yourself – I advise this even when I type them out for your convenience.
Throughout life, we pick up tidbits of how to live; wise sayings, shortcuts, and the typical tools to make life and our daily tasks easier (or harder depending on the advice). I’ve been reflecting on things I picked up from childhood, my youth, and as a young adult. You know the kind: parental influences, impactful teachers, role models, and even employers. All of these have had a hand in shaping me to who I am today – at least in some part.
“Don’t put off till tomorrow what you can get done today.” I heard this first from my Nana, even though I know she didn’t coin the phrase. There’s Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Lord Chesterfield… and many others.
“You can’t have clean dishes if you have a dirty sink.” That was told to me by my Grandma.
“Work smart, not hard.” From a manager when I worked in photography.
“If you’re on the clock, it should be @$$es and elbows.” A manager with the military MWR meant to express that you should always be doing something, always be moving and working, if you’re on the clock.
“The right thing at the wrong time is the wrong thing.” From author, Joshua Harris
“Take pride in your work – it’s a reflection of how you take pride in yourself.” A manager at the beginning of my banking career.
“It’s easier to change the direction of a car of it’s already moving.” Floated around in high school.
“Spare the rod, spoil the child.” Based on Proverbs 13:24 and Proverbs 23:13-14
“Without a firm foundation, you’re doomed to fall.” Based on Isaiah 28:16
“Hate the sin; love the sinner.” From Mahatma Gandhi
There are numerous others, but those are the top ten. Another influential concept came from the movie, “Annie.” She’s just had a musical tour of Mr. Warbucks’ mansion and she’s asked what she would like to do first. Annie answers that she would start with the windows, then the floors. That way if she drips, it won’t matter. She’s shocked and confused when she’s told that she won’t have to do any work while she’s there. “How am I gonna earn my keep?”
Have you ever noticed that so many in religious circles have that feeling that they need to earn their keep? They’re on the clock from the time they pray the prayer of salvation so it needs to be @$$es and elbows till they die (or they might be considered lukewarm… see my post on that topic here). Big decisions are weighed based on doors opening or closing without ever moving toward the door. “If it’s God’s will…” is often (not always) a cop-out in prayer because we’ve failed to discover what His will is (see my post on that topic here). Do you feel like you’re on the clock without knowing what you’re supposed to be doing?
So much of what we’re experiencing, all of the craziness reported on the news and the division springing up in so many areas, it all circles back to a foundational issue. Marriages tear in two, children grow up without knowing their own identity, and even religious denominations are ripping apart. Is your foundation shaking or crumbling beneath you?
It’s became apparent to me that we either stand on God’s Word – all of it – or we find ourselves on sinking sand. Pretty sure that the political climate, the state of the world, and the discourse found in practically every area of life can be traced back to picking and choosing what parts of the Bible we are okay with accepting. Are you living in fear?
The world has found itself in a crisis of identity… what matters now is not what mattered then. Fighting for freedom has shifted to fighting those who are still clinging to freedom. Lives that were once considered to be miracles are now cut short even after considered viable. Who are we? Puppies, eagles, and whales are more important than people. Supremacy and privilege have nothing to do with intelligence or hard work, but by our skin color. What are we standing for? Preying on children is no longer a shock and playing God by cutting short a life deemed less desirable is considered humane. It all comes back to a basic question: Who are we?
As a child, I was introduced as a daughter or a sister… a niece, a granddaughter, a cousin, a friend; a neighbor. Then, because we wrap our identity up in everything we do and in every relationship we have, my identity expanded exponentially: wife, mother, daughter-in-law, sister-in-law… photographer, bartender, financial advisor, receptionist, author, blogger. Not once did I mention my faith. Not because I’m ashamed (I own and operate a “bric-a-brac” blog of faith), but because, as a whole, we’re so busy trying to earn our keep and prove ourselves that we’ve lost sight of our identity. How do you introduce yourself?
This is something that has been weighing very heavily on my heart, because part of me wants to scream at the masses to shut up, get along, and stop being so flipping stupid. I’ve shed tears over the actions chosen out of fear and ignorance, and I’ve had to deliberately choose to not allow sensationalized media to dictate my daily freedoms. I wish the solution (Jesus) was something everyone would get on board with. Since I’m not speaking to the masses, but to you, an individual reader, I ask for you to start the ripple. Learn who you are according to God’s definition and pass it along to your friends.
I am… God’s workmanship (Ephesians 2:10)
I am… chosen by God (Ephesians 1:4)
I am… a new creation (II Corinthians 5:17)
I am… reconciled to God (Romans 5:10)
I am… justified by God (Romans 3:23-24)
I am… redeemed (Ephesians 1:7)
I am… at peace with God (Romans 5:1-2)
I am… safe from God’s wrath (Romans 5:9)
I am… free from condemnation (Romans 8:1-2)
I am… accepted by God (Romans 15:7)
I am… forgiven (Colossians 2:13-14)
I am… washed and sanctified (I Corinthians 6:11)
I am… holy and blameless (Colossians 1:22)
I am… saved by grace (Ephesians 2:8-9)
I am… freed from the law (Colossians 2:13-17)
I am… never separated from God’s love (Romans 8:38-39)
I am… a recipient of God’s covenant with Abraham (Romans 4:16)
I am… blessed (Ephesians 1:3)
I am… worthy (II Thessalonians 1:5)
I am… a conqueror (Romans 8:37)
I am… made complete (Colossians 2:9-10)
I am… made perfect forever (Hebrews 10:14)
I am… a citizen of Heaven (Philippians 3:20-21)
I am… an heir of God (Galatians 4:7)
This is who you are because of God’s goodness, love, and mercy! While I may struggle to know what I want to be when I grow up (it’s a daily struggle), I have come to know who I am according to God. No one else’s opinion matters! As we begin to see ourselves as royalty of the Most High God, we will start acting accordingly. We can start treating each other according to God’s Word instead of a political affiliation.
