Embracing Your True Identity
Romans 12:2 tells us to not be like the world. I love the way the Message puts it:
"So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don’t become so well adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you."
When I was younger, I tried to be like everyone else. I wanted everyone to like me. I had to have the coolest clothes and the latest fashions. I would do anything the "IN" crowd was into. The problem was I worked so hard on the outside that I never developed the inner package. I had no idea that we are all made with unique gifts and talents. We are created to be different and to walk a special life for the Lord. The Lord wants us to stand out and be different.
As I got still with myself, years later the Lord showed me He had birthed a speaking gift in me. In fourth grade, I won the first place award for public speaking in my 4-H club. That public speaking gift was there all along. I was too busy trying to be popular to embrace that gift. As I have matured, I realized this gift has special meaning in my life. It is a big part of my calling.
As children of God, we are NOT made to fit “the mold” of what the world does or wants; we are set apart to be different. Today I'd like for you to set some time for yourself and celebrate your unique talents. Make a list of 5 things you do well. Think about special awards or events you have participated in – they may point out your areas of talent. Pray and ask God to show you these areas, and He will begin to reveal your special purpose.
1. __________________________________________
2. __________________________________________
3. __________________________________________
4. __________________________________________
5. __________________________________________
Psalm 4:3 says that God has set apart the godly for Himself. Not for anyone else but Himself! Again in Isaiah 2:9, the word of God tells us that we are chosen by God. Once I stopped trying so hard to be like everyone else, I was able to draw close to God. And now I have never had a more personal relationship with Him. Remember that the only opinion that should matter to you is your Heavenly Father’s. So I encourage all of you, STAND OUT, BE DIFFERENT! Let your light of Christ shine, and allow yourselves to grow deeper in Him. He has a special purpose for your life!
These devotions are designed to help you develop your inner core. You are a special gift from God. He has a special place for you. When you tap into this sacred place between you and God, you will walk a fulfilled life with purpose and meaning.
Let's pray:
Dear Lord Jesus, I pray a blessing over everyone reading and participating in this devotion. Lord, I ask that you would bring to memory the special gifts and talents that you have placed in us. Lord, show us our unique calling in you!
In Jesus Precious name,
Amen
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