I came across this verse today, and it hit me hard.
"Nevertheless even among the rulers many believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue; for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God." John 12:42-43
How often do we love man's praise more than God's?
How often do we feel insufficient because we aren't meeting the "standard" we've set in our mind?
How often does it cause us to "not confess Him"? To compromise our actions? To put on an act to be accepted? Or to overachieve because we feel insufficient?
The answer, at least for me, is "far too often". I often feel that I'm not good enough...either in my personality, my looks, my knowledge....and as a result, try to change how I am.
If only I could realize that when I feel this way, it's only because I don't accept how much God loves me and has accepted me. If I'm insecure, it's because I'm not trusting His promises.
It's a dangerous thing, and can wreak havoc in my own life, and the lives of those around me. I think it's something we all struggle with to some degree, but it's been on my mind lately.
This story is one that really put it all into perspective for me....if you're like me and are always wanting to change how you are, this story is for you.
http://bushmaid.blogspot.com/2013/03/switches-short-story.html
How often does it cause us to "not confess Him"? To compromise our actions? To put on an act to be accepted? Or to overachieve because we feel insufficient?
The answer, at least for me, is "far too often". I often feel that I'm not good enough...either in my personality, my looks, my knowledge....and as a result, try to change how I am.
If only I could realize that when I feel this way, it's only because I don't accept how much God loves me and has accepted me. If I'm insecure, it's because I'm not trusting His promises.
It's a dangerous thing, and can wreak havoc in my own life, and the lives of those around me. I think it's something we all struggle with to some degree, but it's been on my mind lately.
This story is one that really put it all into perspective for me....if you're like me and are always wanting to change how you are, this story is for you.
http://bushmaid.blogspot.com/2013/03/switches-short-story.html
Wow! Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts Lisa. All that you said was a big encouragement to me as I struggle with the same thing. It is a good reminder to get our focus off ourselves and back to Him. Thanks for the very uplifting post!
ReplyDeleteThankyou for these awesome thoughts Lisa, and for sharing my story. I'm just so blessed that God spoke to you through it. Love ya. xox
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