Once And For All
One of the good things that has come out of this time on lockdown is the fact that I have managed for the most part to spend time reading my bible and actually doing some studying. Identity is something that has been standing out to me even more lately. It’s something I love and I am passionate about because I have dealt with it so much in my life. One of the verses that came up in my study time, just seemed to keep popping up.
First, my friend sent it to me as she explained some new revelations she’s been getting. It was a verse I’ve seen before, but it stood out so differently this time.
“For the sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ. Yes, Adam’s one sin brings condemnation for everyone, but Christ’s one act of righteousness brings a right relationship with God and new life for everyone.”
ROMANS 5:17,18
Then it was in my study. Then someone posted it. Then it popped up in my devotional. Then I read it in a completely different version and complete came overwhelmed in tears.
Why?
Because for most of my life even though I have been loved by parents and friends, that really love me for me, I’ve struggled with really embracing myself, flaws and all. I always felt like something was wrong with me. I questioned why I never fit in. I wondered why God didn’t physically make me look different. It’s been a process to say the least. And yet while still in my process, it is so easy for me to point out my flaws and just really focus on them.
Why do we do that?
That’s why I got so overwhelmed! It’s so easy for me to see how my flaws make me dirty and far from God. But why can I not understand that Jesus paid ONCE and FOR ALL with His sacrifice. Do I really have that much pride that I believe my unintentional sins are enough to wipe away what His sacrifice paid for that I have to beg to be back in good standing with Him.
Is that a healthy relationship between a daughter and her father? We wouldn’t accept that in a natural sense. So why do we so easily accept that as truth between us and our Heavenly Father.
He doesn’t want all our good things. He wants our best heart. He wants us seeking relation with Him. Okay, I made a mistake, but does that really put a damper between us? Especially when I don’t intentionally do this to spite Him?
Some of our thinking is twisted. I say that because so many Christians think the same way and I can see it. It’s time we get it. As long as our faith continues to be in Christ, we are not powerful enough to destroy what He already washed away.
It’s not about what we do for God. It is about who we ARE. It is our IDENTITY! Nothing can change your inner state. Take your earthly mom, when you do right or wrong, even if she disagrees, your earthly mother still loves you, because you are HERS! She made you. She birthed you.
And how much more do you think your Heavenly Father feels that way about you?
I understand that maybe you have a different relationship with your earthly mom or dad. I’m sorry that you experienced that, and it can make this example seem even more hard to really understand. Even with a healthier relationship with one or more of our parents, it can be hard to grasp our understanding around it, because that’s just how we were taught to think about God mostly. But with our Heavenly Father’s guidance and help from the Holy Spirit I believe we will get it, no matter where we are in our natural relationships. God can make it relate to you right where you are when you are open to it. He created us for greater. He created us for love. And that’s who we are. Child of God, precious in His sight. And don’t you ever forget it!
When you read Romans 5:17,18 how does it challenge you in the way you view yourself?
Keep your crown up,