Avoid the T.R.A.P.S.Sample

The Trap// Titles

We live in Washington D.C. where one of the first questions you’ll get when you meet someone is, “What do you do?" Although this question usually has no ill-intent, it can unintentionally cause us to tie our self-worth to our personal or professional titles.

The problem isn’t the title itself, the problem is the value we give it. Many of us were taught to chase titles - from professional statuses, to spousal or parental labels, to levels of ministry. We are consumed by this pursuit and tend to place our entire identity and worth in the titles we acquire. If we want to be who God has called us to be, we have to recognize how we’ve fallen into a trap by falsely believing that our titles are what make us worthy.

The Truth:

Truth #1: Every title matters.

The truth is that God has entrusted us with the title(s) he’s given us in this season. No title is too small or insignificant for the Kingdom. Every title he’s given us is contributing to the work he’s doing on this Earth.

Truth #2: We’re already loved.

God deemed us worthy of love while we were still in our mother’s womb. As such, our worth is not based on what we can do or the titles we can earn. Our worth rests solely in the fact that we are his creation, his children, and we are loved deeply.

Truth #3: Titles are tools.

Titles are tools that God uses for his glory. We should pay attention to the moment when our lack of a title results in bitterness or resentment. If our love for a title begins to outweigh our love for God, it is an idol.

Application:

We can avoid this trap by looking in the Word and allowing God’s truth to permeate our hearts and fill our cups. Read these scriptures about your God-given titles and commit them to memory.

• God calls you:
  • Chosen (John 15:16)
  • Loved (Romans 8: 37-39)
  • His Treasured Possession (Deuteronomy 14:2)
  • His own (Isaiah 43:1)