I was talking to a close friend yesterday and we got to talking about where I am spiritually. I quickly realized that I'm nowhere near where I need to be, it's almost as if I'm moving backwards. I mean, I want to be close to God, I want to be who He wants me to be where He wants me to be, but I just let other things get in the way of that relationship. Pride is a major one for me, I struggle with the idea of not being able to overcome something alone, I think I can do it all. The reality of the matter is that I can't, only Christ can overcome the sin in my life, only He can overcome my selfishness and pride. So my friend told me to watch this video that I'm including in this post. I'll admit, I teared up a little when watching it, it kinda captures exactly what I need God to do in my life. Hope it speaks to you too.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Saturday, July 24, 2010
22 Facts
It's been forever since I've written anything, so I thought it was about time I did. I'm gonna make it as fun and interesting as I can too. So, in honor of my 22nd birthday, here are 22 facts (not necessarily ones you'll find interesting) about me that you may or may not know.
1. I used to be a major nerd, like the comic book reading, video game obsessed kind. Still am to an extent.
2. I grew up listening to country music. I even watched CMT and sang along with every song they played.
3. I am a little addicted to facebook... ok, maybe a lot.
4. I have never set foot in a public school, I went to private school through third grade and was home schooled the rest of the time.
5. I went to Madison Central's Homecoming dance my junior year in high school... with Daniel...
6. I'm also apparently a liar.
7. I like to make people laugh, although I sometimes try to hard to be funny.
8. Playing guitar is one of the ways I relieve stress.
9. I used to have a really nasty temper, then I learned to play nice.
10. I have one tattoo, I'd like to get more too, just not sure what I'd want.
11. I tend to be really insecure with who I am, it's why I brag a lot, to compensate for it I guess.
12. I actually do like Superman, I just like Batman way better. That's probably because he is better.
13. I went to therapy for six months a few years back, ask me about it sometime if you're curious.
14. I find it easy to discipline myself in things like working out and trying to be healthier in my eating habits, but I find it incredibly hard to make myself spend time with God.
15. I plan on adopting some children from China when I get married, I really have heart for the kids there.
16. I hate speaking in front of large groups, I even used to be afraid of small groups.
17. I cried at the beginning of Up. Yes, that means I actually do have a sensitive side.
18. I hate wearing slacks, that's why you always see me in jeans.
19. I used to collect post cards, I had one from almost every state, and even a few countries.
20. I have no idea what I want to do when I get out of college, and it scares me to death.
21. I don't ever sleep... maybe I'm a vampire... Team Edward?
22. I have the greatest friends in the world. Yes, I'm cheesy and predictable sometimes too. :D
For those of you who actually read that whole thing, I'm actually impressed. I hope that maybe you discovered something about me you didn't know, or maybe I just bored you all to tears. Anyway, that's all I've got for now.
1. I used to be a major nerd, like the comic book reading, video game obsessed kind. Still am to an extent.
2. I grew up listening to country music. I even watched CMT and sang along with every song they played.
3. I am a little addicted to facebook... ok, maybe a lot.
4. I have never set foot in a public school, I went to private school through third grade and was home schooled the rest of the time.
5. I went to Madison Central's Homecoming dance my junior year in high school... with Daniel...
6. I'm also apparently a liar.
7. I like to make people laugh, although I sometimes try to hard to be funny.
8. Playing guitar is one of the ways I relieve stress.
9. I used to have a really nasty temper, then I learned to play nice.
10. I have one tattoo, I'd like to get more too, just not sure what I'd want.
11. I tend to be really insecure with who I am, it's why I brag a lot, to compensate for it I guess.
12. I actually do like Superman, I just like Batman way better. That's probably because he is better.
13. I went to therapy for six months a few years back, ask me about it sometime if you're curious.
14. I find it easy to discipline myself in things like working out and trying to be healthier in my eating habits, but I find it incredibly hard to make myself spend time with God.
15. I plan on adopting some children from China when I get married, I really have heart for the kids there.
16. I hate speaking in front of large groups, I even used to be afraid of small groups.
17. I cried at the beginning of Up. Yes, that means I actually do have a sensitive side.
18. I hate wearing slacks, that's why you always see me in jeans.
19. I used to collect post cards, I had one from almost every state, and even a few countries.
20. I have no idea what I want to do when I get out of college, and it scares me to death.
21. I don't ever sleep... maybe I'm a vampire... Team Edward?
22. I have the greatest friends in the world. Yes, I'm cheesy and predictable sometimes too. :D
For those of you who actually read that whole thing, I'm actually impressed. I hope that maybe you discovered something about me you didn't know, or maybe I just bored you all to tears. Anyway, that's all I've got for now.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Kid's Camp
I've been at Kid's Camp with Broadmoor since Friday. I'll admit, at first I was really only about the money, but things have changed since camp began. While I have been insanely busy with setup and running the audio portion of the camp rallies and the kids are very hyper and don't let me get much sleep, there have also been moments that have caused me to think. Just watching the way these kids approach spirituality is amazing. They have very real questions and issues in life but are genuinely seeking God in the answers. I saw something last night that nearly brought me to tears. When we were doing the evening rally singing, I heard the combined voices of over a hundred 3rd through 6th graders praise in such a real and raw way the One who created them. I saw them go to the altar in tears, confessing their shortcomings and asking the God of the universe to help them through. They fell on their faces in tears, crying out for mercy from their Savior. It was something I had never seen before, but I guess it's never really hit me that kids that age have issues and trials too. They are living in the same messed up world I'm in, dealing with different issues perhaps, but still struggling sometimes. There is a difference though; being older, I have become dependent on myself for the things I need. I have a lot of pride and struggle with trusting someone else for my needs. These kids still depend primarily on someone else for their needs and I guess that makes it easier for them to give their issues to God. That is something we can all learn from, we need to come to God as one of them would, humble and dependent on Him, ready to cast our cares on our God.
It has been a truly amazing weekend, I'm very glad I came now, these kids have been a great example for me instead of the other way around.
It has been a truly amazing weekend, I'm very glad I came now, these kids have been a great example for me instead of the other way around.
Saturday, May 29, 2010
It's Been Awhile
I just realized how long it's been since I've updated this thing. Kinda sad that it's been so long. It's not that I don't have time, I just don't budget my time very well. I'll get back in some routine soon I guess.
This summer has been amazing for me so far. I started the job at Broadmoor and I'm loving it. I get to do all the things I really enjoy doing and they're paying me to do it :) I've had tons of time to spend at home with the family and that has been great too.
Last week Maria actually had her surgery. She was scheduled to have lung surgery to fix things there so that she'd be ready for heart surgery later. Something amazing happened when the doctors were about to begin. They checked her lungs and she was somehow healed. Everything was great! All I can say is that God is good and miracles still happen. So the doctors went through with the heart procedure and it went great. She has been recovering for the last week, I'm actually writing this from the hospital room she is in. She will be going home by next week more than likely.
I can't wait to see what the rest of the summer has in store, I mean, it's only half over. Oh, and I'll try to make these things more regular too. :)
This summer has been amazing for me so far. I started the job at Broadmoor and I'm loving it. I get to do all the things I really enjoy doing and they're paying me to do it :) I've had tons of time to spend at home with the family and that has been great too.
Last week Maria actually had her surgery. She was scheduled to have lung surgery to fix things there so that she'd be ready for heart surgery later. Something amazing happened when the doctors were about to begin. They checked her lungs and she was somehow healed. Everything was great! All I can say is that God is good and miracles still happen. So the doctors went through with the heart procedure and it went great. She has been recovering for the last week, I'm actually writing this from the hospital room she is in. She will be going home by next week more than likely.
I can't wait to see what the rest of the summer has in store, I mean, it's only half over. Oh, and I'll try to make these things more regular too. :)
Sunday, April 25, 2010
One Week Remains
Only one more week left of school before the end of the semester. I'm definitely excited that it's almost over, but also a little sad. I've made some great friends this semester and a lot of them are leaving after next week. Some will be back next semester but others are graduating or going home for good. I guess I just wish that I had more time to build relationships with these people. I was kind of a loner for most of last semester, only hanging out with a handful of people and not really going out of my way to make new friends. This semester has been different, I've met so many amazing new people and I just wish I had been a little more outgoing.
That being said, this semester has been a great time of change for me. I feel like I'm really starting to come out of my shell, I'm learning a great deal about myself and life in general. I know next semester is going to be great too. College is a great time of learning, not only academically, but also personally and spiritually. My only regret is that it has taken me this long to learn and to begin changing. But you know, this experience isn't the end. College is important but, in the grand scheme of things, I've only just begun my journey, we all have.
That being said, this semester has been a great time of change for me. I feel like I'm really starting to come out of my shell, I'm learning a great deal about myself and life in general. I know next semester is going to be great too. College is a great time of learning, not only academically, but also personally and spiritually. My only regret is that it has taken me this long to learn and to begin changing. But you know, this experience isn't the end. College is important but, in the grand scheme of things, I've only just begun my journey, we all have.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
"You are Amazing God"
It is so cool to see God work. I mean, I know He is constantly at work in our lives, but it is something different to see something real and personal answered. Last night I just knelt next to my bed and pleaded with God in a way I haven't in forever. Maria had surgery today, and the whole thing scared me. I know God is in control deep down, but it is hard to trust that everything will be ok when you have no control at all over the situation. I have also been really stressed over my rooming situation for next semester. It shouldn't be that big of a deal, but I hate not knowing what is going to happen.
So last night I just fell to my knees and asked God to give me something, anything. I prayed for Maria, prayed that God would heal her, make everything all better. I prayed that I would get a good roommate for next year, hoping that someone would just appear and tell me "Hey, God told me to be your roommate." The thing about God though, is that He rarely answers how we ask.
Today my current roommate called me and said, "I found you a roommate for next semester." I was shocked, didn't know what to do. I tend to be a bit like Gideon, always wanting God to do one more thing to prove that He's answering. The thing is though, when we ask for something and it happens, we need to take it. That is something I'm still learning, but with God's help I'll get it down. I told Nate to tell the guy I said yes, a little nervous inside, but trying desperately to trust God on this one.
Maria went in for surgery this morning. She went through the surgery fine, she's spending the night in the hospital tonight recovering. The doctors found something odd though. They said her heart not only is plumbed strangely like we already knew, but some of the parts of her heart are in different places than they should be. That's not all either; they discovered that the doctors in China that did the first surgery nicked one of the nerves on her diaphragm during surgery, rendering half of her diaphragm useless. The broken part is actually hindering Maria's ability to breathe. Now, the doctors can do something about all of this with surgery, so she'll be fine in the long run, but that's not why I'm telling you this. You see, my prayer wasn't answered at all how I asked. As the doctors put it, Maria shouldn't have lived to be 3, she's now 4. It is only by the amazing grace of our Father that she is alive, blessing my family every day with her vitality. I'm really learning something here too. God is in control, even when things seem wrong. If He brought Maria this far, against all odds, He's going to carry her through the rest. Why should I worry, God is God, I'm not.
I'm starting to tear up as I write this. It has been so long since I have felt God work, seen His awesome power and control. The thing is, it happens everyday. He is the God of healing, the God who hears our every cry. Why do we have so much trouble going to Him with our troubles and burdens, why do we hold on so desperately to things we can't control? Why do I do these things. I could go on for hours. Suffice it to say I am in awe of the one we serve for the first time in a long time.
So last night I just fell to my knees and asked God to give me something, anything. I prayed for Maria, prayed that God would heal her, make everything all better. I prayed that I would get a good roommate for next year, hoping that someone would just appear and tell me "Hey, God told me to be your roommate." The thing about God though, is that He rarely answers how we ask.
Today my current roommate called me and said, "I found you a roommate for next semester." I was shocked, didn't know what to do. I tend to be a bit like Gideon, always wanting God to do one more thing to prove that He's answering. The thing is though, when we ask for something and it happens, we need to take it. That is something I'm still learning, but with God's help I'll get it down. I told Nate to tell the guy I said yes, a little nervous inside, but trying desperately to trust God on this one.
Maria went in for surgery this morning. She went through the surgery fine, she's spending the night in the hospital tonight recovering. The doctors found something odd though. They said her heart not only is plumbed strangely like we already knew, but some of the parts of her heart are in different places than they should be. That's not all either; they discovered that the doctors in China that did the first surgery nicked one of the nerves on her diaphragm during surgery, rendering half of her diaphragm useless. The broken part is actually hindering Maria's ability to breathe. Now, the doctors can do something about all of this with surgery, so she'll be fine in the long run, but that's not why I'm telling you this. You see, my prayer wasn't answered at all how I asked. As the doctors put it, Maria shouldn't have lived to be 3, she's now 4. It is only by the amazing grace of our Father that she is alive, blessing my family every day with her vitality. I'm really learning something here too. God is in control, even when things seem wrong. If He brought Maria this far, against all odds, He's going to carry her through the rest. Why should I worry, God is God, I'm not.
I'm starting to tear up as I write this. It has been so long since I have felt God work, seen His awesome power and control. The thing is, it happens everyday. He is the God of healing, the God who hears our every cry. Why do we have so much trouble going to Him with our troubles and burdens, why do we hold on so desperately to things we can't control? Why do I do these things. I could go on for hours. Suffice it to say I am in awe of the one we serve for the first time in a long time.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Try Not to Smash Your Fingers
I went and did a Habitat for Humanity build today. It's truly amazing to hear the sound of several dozen hammers pounding at once, all by complete strangers trying to help a family achieve the goal of owning their own home. That sort of showing of love is what it's all about. This was my second habitat build, and I would go again in a heartbeat. There is just something about helping a complete stranger, not to mention I had a fantastic time. I mean, it's not every day I you get to use lots of tools and climb up on top of houses. Anyway, now I'm just rambling. If you ever get a chance, volunteer. You'll enjoy it, I promise.
Sunday, April 4, 2010
He Is Risen
He is risen! I'm sure that's the phrase we're all hearing today but do we ever really think about it. The gravity of that statement really hit me late last night. He is RISEN. Christ defied the very thing that makes us mortal... death. Not only physical death, but he conquered spiritual death on that third day. How amazing is that? That phrase should give us goosebumps. Our Savior overcame sin and death, how incredible is that? He did it so that we can overcome those things as well, through Him.
On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them, In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, "Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here; He has risen! Remember how He told you, while He was still with you in Galilee: 'The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.'" Then they remembered His words. Luke 24:1-8
This story altered the very course of human history. When Christ left the grave, our destiny was changed from death to life through Him. This is reason for us to celebrate, not just today, but every day. Happy Easter. HE IS RISEN!
On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them, In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, "Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here; He has risen! Remember how He told you, while He was still with you in Galilee: 'The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.'" Then they remembered His words. Luke 24:1-8
This story altered the very course of human history. When Christ left the grave, our destiny was changed from death to life through Him. This is reason for us to celebrate, not just today, but every day. Happy Easter. HE IS RISEN!
"Awake Tonight"
I just got back from the Skillet/Toby Mac concert a little while ago. It was a great show and I had a fantastic time, but it did get me thinking about something. What does it mean to be a "Christian" concert or "Christian" band? I mean, if people see more of you than they do God, is that wrong as a band? I'm not questioning the motives of any of the bands I saw tonight, I've been thinking about this for awhile.
We as humans strive for self-glorification and, if that comes in the way of worship or of people seeing Christ, aren't we living in sin? We should instead turn all that focus and attention to God. It's so hard to do I imagine, while trying to put on a show. Where is the balance? Is saying God's name while you perform enough, or what about singing songs about Him? How do we take that focus that is so clearly on us and return it to Him, or do we?You may wonder why I'm saying "we" instead of "them". It's because I put myself in the category of performers. When I lead worship on campus, I find it so hard to forget that it's not about me, but about a God so much bigger than I can imagine. I wonder what people see when they watch me play. Do they see Christ shining through or do they just see me strumming away on my guitar. It's why I have a hard time playing and singing around people, why I don't want to be "that guy" that I so often refer to disliking. This whole issue is as much an internal thing as it is a critique.
Is it ok then, to put on shows and label them as "Christian"? Is it necessary for performers to make sure they are all "holy" on stage? Maybe it's more about the heart, what God sees and we can't. If our hearts are in the right place, the rest of us should follow suit.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Shine
You ever had one of those weeks that you just couldn't wait til it was over? It's been like that for me this week. I've had a ton of stuff to do this week school-wise, whether it be tests or just regular assignments and I've just got more coming up this next week. I know I only have to make it a few more days, but the end just feels so far away. I doubt I'd be able to make it if it weren't for the free moments I have when I get to hang out with you people. It's great having friends that help to alleviate the stresses of a hard week or two. So I guess this is my way of saying thanks.... Thanks :P
This morning at church was very interesting. Brother Rob posed a very interesting question and it just kind of stuck with me today as I've been frantically going about my activities. He told a story this morning about a woman who came to Broadmoor for the first time last week. I don't know her name or really anything about her other than she came because a friend invited her. She didn't realize that it would be her first and last time to attend Broadmoor. She was killed in a senseless act of violence last Tuesday. Through tears, Brother Rob revealed his thoughts, he wondered if he presented the gospel in such a way that she had an opportunity to respond, if she understood the love of God in such a way that she believed and accepted it. He said that he wished he knew if she responded, but there is only the hope that she did. I thought I would share this because it hit me pretty hard. I mean, do I live my life in such a way that, if I were to have one opportunity to show someone the love of Christ, would it be effective? Do I live my life for Him, so that others can see Christ in me? How many opportunities have I missed to share because of the things in my life that keep me from living perfectly in God's will? Just something to think about....
This morning at church was very interesting. Brother Rob posed a very interesting question and it just kind of stuck with me today as I've been frantically going about my activities. He told a story this morning about a woman who came to Broadmoor for the first time last week. I don't know her name or really anything about her other than she came because a friend invited her. She didn't realize that it would be her first and last time to attend Broadmoor. She was killed in a senseless act of violence last Tuesday. Through tears, Brother Rob revealed his thoughts, he wondered if he presented the gospel in such a way that she had an opportunity to respond, if she understood the love of God in such a way that she believed and accepted it. He said that he wished he knew if she responded, but there is only the hope that she did. I thought I would share this because it hit me pretty hard. I mean, do I live my life in such a way that, if I were to have one opportunity to show someone the love of Christ, would it be effective? Do I live my life for Him, so that others can see Christ in me? How many opportunities have I missed to share because of the things in my life that keep me from living perfectly in God's will? Just something to think about....
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
"Great People, Great Prices"
I finished my last day of work with Brookshire's Grocery Company a few hours ago. It's really kinda bitter-sweet for me. I'm glad that I'm moving on from there but I'm also very sad that I'm leaving. I've worked for BGC for 5 years, it was my first real job. I never thought I'd stay until the end, but here I am. Maybe that's a little weird to be upset about losing a job, but to me it was so much more than that.
When I first started in February of 2005, I really didn't even want a job. My mom had dropped me off a month or so before and said she wasn't going to pick me up until I had an interview. I was extremely nervous and shy in the beginning and unsure what to do. The people there were incredibly friendly and more than willing to teach me the ins and outs of the grocery business my first few months. I've actually known the people at store #120 longer than I've known most of the group.
The people at Brookshire's are just like a family to me, I think that's why I'm kinda sad about this. Not just the employees, but the customers as well. One of my customers yesterday actually started crying when I told her I wasn't staying on with Kroger. We've all had an impact on each other, something far greater than just a regular job. My time at the store shaped my view on life in a lot of ways, from making me a more outgoing person to teaching me to love serving others to helping me decide on a career path. I seriously doubt I ever would have decided on business as a major if it hadn't been for that place.
One person in particular has had the most effect on me, and I've talked about her on many occasions. Mrs. Naomi Jackson has been a major role model for me for my entire career at BGC. She has always been one to call me out when she sees something wrong in my life, whether spiritually or otherwise. She always has a servants heart with everyone, she will literally stop whatever she is doing to talk to or pray for any customer that asks. To me, that is the ultimate way to serve, making your faith shine show much that people you don't even know come to you because they know you'll pray for them.
I could literally go on all night describing all the things that I learned at the store. That's why I'm gonna miss it so much, I really don't see how anything can replace that experience. How do you replace something that has helped to set the course for your life? It kinda reminds me of something Naomi told me when I was going through all that stuff a year ago. She said, "Sometimes, God brings people into your life for a season, to help grow or learn." I guess that is what the people at Brookshire's are, 'seasonal people'. I've learned from the experience and now it's time to move on. God has something better for me, a new set of people and experiences to learn from.
When I first started in February of 2005, I really didn't even want a job. My mom had dropped me off a month or so before and said she wasn't going to pick me up until I had an interview. I was extremely nervous and shy in the beginning and unsure what to do. The people there were incredibly friendly and more than willing to teach me the ins and outs of the grocery business my first few months. I've actually known the people at store #120 longer than I've known most of the group.
The people at Brookshire's are just like a family to me, I think that's why I'm kinda sad about this. Not just the employees, but the customers as well. One of my customers yesterday actually started crying when I told her I wasn't staying on with Kroger. We've all had an impact on each other, something far greater than just a regular job. My time at the store shaped my view on life in a lot of ways, from making me a more outgoing person to teaching me to love serving others to helping me decide on a career path. I seriously doubt I ever would have decided on business as a major if it hadn't been for that place.
One person in particular has had the most effect on me, and I've talked about her on many occasions. Mrs. Naomi Jackson has been a major role model for me for my entire career at BGC. She has always been one to call me out when she sees something wrong in my life, whether spiritually or otherwise. She always has a servants heart with everyone, she will literally stop whatever she is doing to talk to or pray for any customer that asks. To me, that is the ultimate way to serve, making your faith shine show much that people you don't even know come to you because they know you'll pray for them.
I could literally go on all night describing all the things that I learned at the store. That's why I'm gonna miss it so much, I really don't see how anything can replace that experience. How do you replace something that has helped to set the course for your life? It kinda reminds me of something Naomi told me when I was going through all that stuff a year ago. She said, "Sometimes, God brings people into your life for a season, to help grow or learn." I guess that is what the people at Brookshire's are, 'seasonal people'. I've learned from the experience and now it's time to move on. God has something better for me, a new set of people and experiences to learn from.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Identity
So I've finally given in, I got a blog. I've been intending on it for awhile, I just didn't think I'd have anything to write about. I still don't... but I guess I'll at least try.
I think lately I've realized that I want to better understand myself, like who I really am and where I'm going. That's the real reason for starting a blog I suppose, because I feel like a great way to know yourself is to write, to get these thoughts down on paper (or in this case, more of a digital parchment).
I guess the first thing to ask is,what does it mean to 'know yourself'? I mean, shouldn't we all know ourselves better than anyone else does? One would think but I know, in my case at least, I'm the most confusing person I know. I guess when I think of 'knowing myself' I think of understanding why I do what I do. Questions like "Why do I keep going down this same path when I know where it's going to take me" or "Why do I have so much trouble letting go of these things I hold on to" run through my head constantly. I don't know if you guys have ever felt like that, but I certainly do.
It's been said that your past forms who you are now. If I'm shaped by the person I used to be, frankly I'm screwed. Granted, I've learned from my mistakes and hope not to make the same foul-ups again, but no one wants to see themselves as who they'd prefer not to be.
A wise man once told me that, "It's not as important to know who you are as it is to know whose you are." Ultimately, maybe it is more important to have an identity somewhere outside of us that gives us purpose and value. For those of us that are believers, our identity is in Christ. Think about it for a second; if we have given our hearts and lives to Jesus, doesn't it also make sense to give him our identity? We say he's the 'center' of our lives but, if people look at us and don't see Christ shining out, our we for real? By giving Christ our identity, we are no longer responsible for our past and the things we've done. Jesus has taken those things and nailed them to the cross, not only our sins, but every part of our lives that aren't of him.
"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." Galatians 2:20
What that verse is saying essentially is that, because of the cross, our old self, our identity, was put to death. We have instead taken on the identity of Christ. That's where the term "Christian" came from. People saw Jesus' followers and how much like him that they were that they dubbed them "little Christs". Why are we any different? Why do we look so different from the one who lives in us?
So we're back to where we started I suppose. What does it really mean to 'know yourself'? This little journey we've taken seems to indicate that, knowing yourself means knowing Christ, if your identity is in him, if you are saved by his grace and love. So the best way to know yourself is to know him, we are created in the image of God after all.
I think lately I've realized that I want to better understand myself, like who I really am and where I'm going. That's the real reason for starting a blog I suppose, because I feel like a great way to know yourself is to write, to get these thoughts down on paper (or in this case, more of a digital parchment).
I guess the first thing to ask is,what does it mean to 'know yourself'? I mean, shouldn't we all know ourselves better than anyone else does? One would think but I know, in my case at least, I'm the most confusing person I know. I guess when I think of 'knowing myself' I think of understanding why I do what I do. Questions like "Why do I keep going down this same path when I know where it's going to take me" or "Why do I have so much trouble letting go of these things I hold on to" run through my head constantly. I don't know if you guys have ever felt like that, but I certainly do.
It's been said that your past forms who you are now. If I'm shaped by the person I used to be, frankly I'm screwed. Granted, I've learned from my mistakes and hope not to make the same foul-ups again, but no one wants to see themselves as who they'd prefer not to be.
A wise man once told me that, "It's not as important to know who you are as it is to know whose you are." Ultimately, maybe it is more important to have an identity somewhere outside of us that gives us purpose and value. For those of us that are believers, our identity is in Christ. Think about it for a second; if we have given our hearts and lives to Jesus, doesn't it also make sense to give him our identity? We say he's the 'center' of our lives but, if people look at us and don't see Christ shining out, our we for real? By giving Christ our identity, we are no longer responsible for our past and the things we've done. Jesus has taken those things and nailed them to the cross, not only our sins, but every part of our lives that aren't of him.
"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." Galatians 2:20
What that verse is saying essentially is that, because of the cross, our old self, our identity, was put to death. We have instead taken on the identity of Christ. That's where the term "Christian" came from. People saw Jesus' followers and how much like him that they were that they dubbed them "little Christs". Why are we any different? Why do we look so different from the one who lives in us?
So we're back to where we started I suppose. What does it really mean to 'know yourself'? This little journey we've taken seems to indicate that, knowing yourself means knowing Christ, if your identity is in him, if you are saved by his grace and love. So the best way to know yourself is to know him, we are created in the image of God after all.
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