Isn't it funny how God puts these things on our heart first, and then right in our face next?
Everyone on earth fills a variety of unique roles. Me? I'm a wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, grand-daughter. At various points in my life I've been single, a girlfriend, and a married woman, working full-time, working part-time, staying-at-home, a student. I'm a picker. I'm a grinner. I'm a lover. And I'm a sinner.
Sometimes...I'm a joker.
Some days, when my guard is down and I'm feeling especially insecure (and it doesn't help if I'm hormonal and pregnant on top of that), Satan gets a foothold and pushes me down. On those days, thanks to my dear friend Beth's biblical wisdom, I have learned to remember John the Baptist.
He was a man who knew who he was.
I am not the Christ. John 1:20And who he wasn't.
I am the voice of one calling in the desert, "Make straight the way for the Lord". John 1:23 (ref Isaiah 40:3)He knew his position compared to Christ.
He is the one who comes after me, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. John 1:27Yet, on that note, and I underlined this straight from my workbook -
"He understood Christ's greatness and how unworthy he as in comparison, but he didn't see himself as having the value of an inchworm under a rock. His life had value through its connection to Christ." ~Beth MooreAs life goes on, I think it will become abundantly clear to me that trivial things like whether I'm labeled "homemaker" or "engineer" will become less important to me when I put the immeasurable value I have due to my relationship with Jesus at the front and center.
Self-esteem, schmelf-esteem. I've got Jesus. And He is security.
How about you?
4 comments:
Hey.... Was that a Derek Webb lyric? Enjoyed this!
This was indeed fabulous. I did this same bible study a number of years ago and last week decided to study it once again. I agree with the label. It is difficult to go from full-time "anything" to full-time mom. Somehow we feel maybe we fall short. I know I did. It was the BEST decision I ever made regarding my family. More importantly, I'm with you, I've got Jesus!!! He's the BEST thing in my life!!
I came here earlier but left without comment. I like to chew on your words sometimes. Don't be scared, but you remind me of myself in so many ways.
I loved this, and this old chick needed the reminder.
And you are WAY too young to know that song. I'm blaming your parents for singing it around you.
Jennie, I just started last week my women's Bible Study - we are also doing the Beth Moore study on the Beloved Disciple. I haven't done my homework yet, but from what you've shared here, it's going to be powerful!
It's funny how much I've changed how I look at myself, and how much I haven't, in the last 20 years or so (when I was your age). I've discovered so much more of what I'm NOT...and yet, God has shown me so much more of what I AM...in HIM.
Jesus IS security - self-esteem - meaning and purpose - my ALL!
GOD BLESS!
(At least you were never a midnight toker...)
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