We are a society that loves our labels. Every item we buy has a label. It tells us when something expires, or what exactly went into creating that particular food (except SPAM, I don't think anyone really knows what is in it and maybe that is a good thing!) Labels are a part of life but here is a question, do we spend our time labeling others or seeking a label for ourselves? This thought has been going around in my head for some time now. Did you know that on a regular basis we are labeling others? We see someone in a shabby outfit and we tend to label them as homeless or lazy. A shiny Mercedes flies by us on the interstate and we label the driver as a person with money. We shake our heads and label the person that runs the red light as someone who has little regard for the law. We label the pretty as smart and the average as ordinary. If we were honest with ourselves we tend to slap a label on just about everyone. In a matter of minutes after we meet someone we have labeled them. They may be super talkative, extremely shy, or absolutely crazy! But labeling people can be a dangerous thing especially in the church. These labels are given to nearly everyone that attends. There are those who come faithfully, others who serve in some sort of ministry or service, and the ones who don't do anything. The problem with labels is simply the fact that we are not God, we don't know what is going on inside of someone. Maybe they are shy because they have been hurt multiple times in their life and they have drawn back into themselves for protection. Maybe there are some not involved in things at church because they have a busy schedule. Please don't get me wrong, I believe we should be attending our church faithfully and active in serving but what I am saying is that it is not our place to label someone based on the little we see. However, I must say that there are certain labels given to people that are necessary, such as those who cause discord in the church, but these are to be done with wisdom.
Labels have power to hurt, or even wound someone deeply. I remember when my mom received a label when my dad divorced her. I could feel the change in the atmosphere, some people no longer valued her opinion or felt that she was no longer as spiritual because of what had happened, even though it was not her fault. My mom never let it show just how much it hurt, but I remember that it did. It was sad to watch her go through that and there was nothing I could do to help. But that label has stayed with her all these years. I am not pointing any fingers, I am just trying to make a point, we must be ever so careful about how we see people. We all have faults, and past regrets, perhaps some are larger than others but none of us are exempt. God asks us to love one another, to lift up those who have fallen and extend grace to those in need. There is another type of labeling that is just as bad if not a little more dangerous and that is seeking to label ourselves. Because we like labels, there comes a desire to label ourselves, but these tend to be very generous. Remember the argument the disciples had as they walked with Jesus? They wanted to know who would be the greatest, they were seeking to put a label on themselves. (Luke 22:24) Jesus told them that it was better to serve than to be great. I find it so easy to want to seek a good label for myself, to seek to be well known or well favored but that is not what God wants nor expects of me. He desires me to serve others and love Him with all of my heart, mind and soul. Both of these labels have a dangerous effect on the people of God, and I believe they can be a stumbling block in our walk with God. We must view others as He does and see ourselves through His eyes. We are all merely here to bring glory to His name and to further His kingdom. We are not here to seek our own glory and fame. We are to help each other reach our full potential for Christ and that means losing the need to label everything. Max Lucado gives a little example of this in his children's book, "You are Special", it is the story of a little village that spends their day sticking gold stars on the pretty and good people and gray dots on those who have made mistakes. We are all made in the image of God which makes us valuable, so maybe it's time to leave the labels for canned goods and just see people for who they are, a reflection of their Creator who loves them all very much and that includes you. I enjoyed reading this book last June by Elizabeth George. There were several things that stood out to me but first let me give you the description from the back of the book. Letting God shine through life's hard moments. How does it feel to be hurt by another person or treated unfairly? What about when we suffer for doing what is right? These experiences often cause feelings of frustrations, bitterness, and even anger. But God calls His women to respond in a different way - a way that those around us don't expect. He desires for us to put on a gentle and quiet spirit, one that puts our Heavenly Father on display to a watching world....and brings greater glory to Him. Discover how to: 1. Let others see God in your life even in the difficult times 2. Successfully handle life's challenges 3. Rest completely, in God's strength There were so many good thoughts and points made in this book. One quote from the book was that "Gentle means not creating disturbances and Quiet means bearing with tranquility the disturbances caused by others." I found that such an interesting statement. We are to not cause disturbances or disruptions around us, but should be able to handle, with grace and a sense of calm, those caused by others. So often I let myself get pulled into the heat of the moment and dragged down to the level of those raising a fuss. Instead my attitude should be to try and calm the situation down or have the ability to simply walk away. Here is another quote, "We should live life in utter reverence and awe and worship of God...reverential fear is the attitude of mind in the person who is always aware that she is in the presence of God". I am never alone, this should guide my choices each and every day. I should always keep this in the forefront of my mind and I go about my day. How I live life in front of those around me shows them my view of God. This quote ties into the one above but I felt it was worth mentioning on its own, "We're to live a good life filled with good deeds on a daily basis". To me this implied the idea of choosing to do good on a regular basis because a lost world is watching. We should be characterized by a helpful and caring attitude especially to other believers. The world will only take notice if we have love for one another and that love is manifested in the deeds we do each day. Doing good deeds should become a common practice not a once in a while activity. Lastly, "When it comes to mistreatment, you and I will have to choose whether to react or to respond. Rather than hate our enemies and retaliate against them and fear them, we must quietly - with a gentle and quiet spirit - trust in the Lord". This was such a good thought. So often it is easier to respond in the flesh than to react in the Spirit. Our flesh wants to avenge when we have been wronged or hurt but that will not aide in the spreading of the gospel. When people see that we have been wronged and we don't react as they would we can make a statement for Christ. Choosing to trust that He will make things right in His time will be a far better choice than reacting and losing our testimony for Christ. I hope you get a copy of this book and read it for yourself. There are discussion questions that make this a great book for your own quiet time. We are to always seek to grow more into the image of Christ and I believe this book will be a great help. |
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Sarah GraceI am just an ordinary girl who is loved by an extraordinary God and I seek to love others the same way. I love to bake, read, do puzzles, watch Hallmark movies, and go shopping with my mom! This blog was created as a place where I could share some thoughts that the Lord has shown me and to be an encouragement to others who desire to know Him in a deeper way. My prayer is to learn to sit still and trust God with my future. Archives
December 2023
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