Are you part of the SDBA community?
It’s part of modern life that we identify with groups having an acronym or abbreviation. Whether it’s to show one's political, dietary, gender preference or school affiliation, etc., the labels fly around us and we identify and are identified by them - and often incorrectly! Of course, some of these labels are very superficial but others are very significant to us.
Our lives, however, are much more than just a label. We are all fearfully and wonderfully made in God’s image. This should be at the forefront of our identity and thoughts of about others too. And I think we will be awestruck on that day when all things are restored - on that DAY when Christ returns. Will we even recognize each other? It think so, but it’s good to keep in mind C.S. Lewis’ words:
"remember that the dullest and most uninteresting person you talk to may one day be a creature which, if you saw it now, you would be strongly tempted to worship, or else a horror and a corruption such as you now meet, if at all, only in a nightmare. All day long we are, in some degree, helping each other to one or other of these destinations.” - “The Weight of Glory"
Still there’s more…as we grow in Christ we discover more of what He’s done for us and who we are through Him. We are Sons and daughters of God, Disciples of Christ, Bondservants of God and Ambassadors for Him - SDBA followers.
SDBA
These truths hit at the heart. They will truly change your life and perhaps even your destiny if you embrace them.It's a life-long process, but when individuals fully embrace their identity in Christ, their behavior and well-being are affected. When a community embraces this identity it stands out brightly in the world and attracts others.
In fact, it is revolutionary! It’s a revolution that started with Jesus and continues to this day.God has clearly bestowed these identities on all believers. The question is, "are we abiding and living from them and do we even understand them?" We naturally live in the world’s alternative: “I am who my parents said I am, what others think of me, what my performance has been, what group I belong to, etc.” But we must let God’s word confront and replace the false images the world has placed on us. You have been created in His image and though fallen because of sin, you can find restoration and newness of life in Jesus. Dig into His word and learn the biblical definition of these identities. Most of us have lost the meaning of many words, especially biblical terms.
Understanding, believing and applying these truths, by faith, will transform your daily living and interactions. Here are some Scriptures to meditate on and memorize. Use them confront the lies that attack your heart.
And ask yourself, “Do I really identify myself in this way? Do I believe this who I am at the core of my being or am I letting other 'labels' define me?” God has declared this about you. Believe them and live them out!
S - son (or daughter) of God. Definition: Having God as our father brings up many images from our past. Perhaps the place to start is with Jesus’ picture of a good father in Luke 15:11-32 - the prodigal son. This father was incredibly gracious and forgiving, longing for restoration and relationship. He celebrated over his wayward son’s return.
Having God as my father reminds me that I am delighted in and that he loves to be with me and care for me! I can rest in His love.
John 1:12
Romans 8:15,16
D - Disciple of Jesus Christ. Definition: . "The Greek term for “disciple” in the New Testament is mathetes, which means more than just “student” or “learner.” A disciple is a “follower,” someone who adheres completely to the teachings of another, making them his rule of life and conduct.” In the Jewish sense a disciple was a follower of the Rabbi. Disciples would seek to emulate their Rabbi in every way. And Jesus called his disciples, and He calls us to follow Him with complete abandon. Becoming a disciple occurs when we place our faith in Christ. Jesus bestows this title on us when we receive Him. And the fruit that comes from our faith is our discipleship. It's is a lifelong process and discovery of true life in Him. Are you taking up this identity? It may cost you everything in this world.
Having Jesus as my Rabbi reminds me that I am to be distinct from the world. And because He has redeemed me and gone before me, I can continue “in His steps” - continuing the cause - the revolution - he began in His resurrection power.
Matthew 28:18-20
Matt4:18-22
Luke 14:25-33
B - Bondservant of God. Definition: A bondservant in Biblical times was a servant who willingly enrolled to be His masters’ servant for life. He loved his master, trusted, and believed in his master to the point of life-long commitment. The writers of the New Testament liked to identify themselves this way. Notice how they often began their letters, “Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus,...” Rom 1:1, Titus1:1, Phil 1:1 Also, James, Peter and Jude began their letters this way.
Having God as my Master reminds me that:
- God is my first audience - the One I aim to please in all things.
- I am His slave - He owns me - I’ll go wherever He sends and do whatever He wants. I die to my rights that I may live in His will.
- I live for His fame and His enterprises - not mine
- I am a steward of all he entrusts to me and will give account some day.
- I long to here Him say, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” (Note: He’s already declared me “good” by my union with Christ!)
1Cor4:1
2Cor4:5
Eph 6:6
1Pet2:16
A - Ambassador (and soldier) Definition: Ambassadors and soldiers are sent to other countries to represent and bring the agenda of their homeland. They have a specific purpose for their existence in that country. Being God's ambassador and soldier reminds me that I am left on this earth, each day, for His purposes - to be a reconciling and restoring force where ever I am. There are battles I'm called to fight and truths I'm called to proclaim. We have Christ's commission until our King returns! God wants to use us to seek and save the lost. He wants to find us faithful until that day.
2Cor5:16- 21
Eph 6:10-19
2Tim2:3
So much more could be written about these identities (and has been by better writers than me.) 🙂 But, what are your thoughts? How do you confront the “false self” as some authors call it, and embrace your true self? What difference does it make? All of us live "from the inside, out."
Make these truths part of your morning declarations and the world will see a difference maker.
In the end it's about becoming who we already are in Christ - our sanctification - that we may reflect Christ's image to the world and do His will.
Soli Deo gloria!
Running Aimlessly?
"So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air." 1Cor 9:26
Sports are such a big part of our culture these days. Especially in the fall, our TV channels offer sporting events from baseball to football, soccer to auto racing and more - 24/7. The Apostle picks up on some sports metaphors as he concludes his comments about his ministry to the Corinthians. He then goes on to challenge and warn believers. They also need to run so that they may win and box with connection - not following in the footsteps of previous generations with whom God was not pleased. The warning pervades other Scriptures as well. Hebrews 12:1 carries the same metaphor: "let us lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles, and run with endurance the race set before us"
Do not run aimlessly! Do not miss your mark! Fight the fight!
This is an admonition to all of us who follow Christ. Are we truly running the race God has for us? Are we aiming for the right target? It's clear from the Scriptures that there are forces that oppose us daily – the flesh (1Pet2:11), the world (1John2 ) and the Devil (1Pet5:8). So we can't afford to let our focus drift. We can't allow our feet to run aimlessly. The stakes are too high for Christ's sake and our impact in other's lives.
But what are we running for? What are we boxing for?
American culture and businesses are built on this type of undivided focus on goals. The problem for so many of us, I fear, is that our definition of success is really about being successful "Cultural Christians" rather than successful "Kingdom Christians." It's easy to adopt culture standards rather than biblical standards and deceive ourselves into thinking God is for it.
A while back I was irritated by the actions of some friends who divorced after 20 some years of marriage. They said they just weren't compatible anymore and would both be happier apart, rather than together. So, they quietly divorced and are now pursuing other relationships. Now I'm not trying to judge them or say that I understand their issues. But, this alerted me to the large numbers of us who have embraced a wrong definition of success in life or have allowed our hearts to become invaded by worldly values
We redefine success and lose aim. We run off course and take on weight. We leave our mission and beat the air. And we try to embrace God's bullseye while clinging to the world's substitutes. I feel the pull daily.
Do we know what success is at it's very basic and pure level? I mean, do you and I know what God's target is for us? Is it happiness over all else? Is it comfort over hardship? Is it wealth and status over character? And beyond just knowing, are we truly embracing it from our hearts?
What if this couple's first aim in life was knowing God more? What if their next aim was becoming more like Christ?
These two objectives pretty much sum up God's plan for our lives as believers. Once we've accepted Christ as Savior and Lord, these objectives are at the heart of God's work in our lives. Multiple Scriptures point us here both by command and example - Phil3:8-15, Jn17:3, Romans 8:28, 29, Hosea 6:3, 2Pet1:3-10, Ps 46 - to name a few. Of course, there are also other goals in life we must pursue. But when it's at the expense of knowing God and becoming more like Jesus, we're off base. I fear we put more focus on our other goals rather than these primary goals. And if we ignore these we get no traction in reaching them.
What if our top aim in life was knowing God and becoming more like Christ?
What if we were unwilling to compromise? What if difficult relationships are the means God uses to make us more like Christ and to know Him better? What if when tested by our circumstances we remain steadfast and actually do become more like Jesus? From passages like Romans 8:28,29, it's easy to think that becoming like Christ is something God does to us, but the Apostle Peter makes clear that we also have a part to play. We have to apply (surrender) our wills to knowing God and becoming like Him. (2Pet1:3-11) We have to make it our aim.
God calls us to choose...
We have a part in becoming like Christ.
We have a part in living for His sake.
We have a part in knowing Him better.
We have a part in becoming fully devoted worshippers…
and by His grace we can choose.
We all fail at this.
But ah, God’s grace receives us back and re-engages us in transformation!
So what's your aim today? What is mine? Certainly, we are called to have goals in all areas of our lives but we must NEVER give up or compromise this race. It takes commitment, strength, and self-control.
"So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified." 1Cor9:25,26
Perhaps the first step is simply declaring to the Lord each day. “Lord, by Your Spirit, I surrender to knowing You more today and to becoming more like Jesus in every way. Increase my passion for You!” Let this be our offering for His glory.
What helps you stay focused on what is most important and running toward it?
Have you committed to God's purpose in your life? (To know Him and become like Him.)
Are you certain that you do know Him? If you're not sure, I'd be glad to share with you how you can be sure. Write me today!
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