She Speaks FireSample

You may never have struggled with your purpose and identity (lucky you!), but I know without a doubt you have been tempted to look to external things to make internal sense. I know I have.

We have all done so and are continually tempted to do so. I call them the “when Is” and “will bes”?

They may sound something like this:

When I get my degree, I will be considered intelligent.

When I am spiritually disciplined, I will be loved by God.

When I please ______ [fill in name], I will be accepted.

When I grow my social media, I will be validated in my purpose.

When I get connected to the right people, I will have favor.

My friend, what are your “when Is” and “will bes”?

These “when Is” and “will bes” lead us right into the cycle of shame because we are placing our identities in something outside of the One who gave us identity in the first place. By default, we have all been born into a system that begs us to take action to justify our position in this world. We have been sold the lie from the beginning of time that if we “do” something, then we will “be” something.

And guess what? It started in the garden: “For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil” (Genesis 3:5).

The serpent’s words to Eve attacked Adam and Eve’s identity by suggesting that they were not already like God, when in fact, the very purpose of their existence was to reflect the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:26). The enemy knew that if he could get Adam and Eve to question their identity, he could get them away from trusting God.

Shame was not present in the garden when Adam’s and Eve’s identities were rooted in God, and the same is true for us today. You aren’t defined by what you do or don’t do. You weren’t created in the image of your own actions. You aren’t measured by your last conversation, decision, or deed. Imagine what every day would be like if decisions and actions were life lessons marked by growth instead of by shame. This vantage point would allow us to see ourselves how God sees us rather than how satan sees us.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for making me Your child. Please help me see myself as You see me so that I can truly live free from shame. Amen.