IS THERE SUCH THING AS A PRIVATE RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD?

I’ve run into a lot of people in my life who seem to think that their relationship with God is for them to know and for others to not worry about. And while I agree with them to a certain extent, the biblical text is clear that our relationships with God are called to be anything but private. Personal, yes. Private, no.

One group of passages that I frequently refer to in regards to one’s call to a life of public faith is Matthew 5:14-16, which states the following,

“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”

The core message in these verses are quite clear; that in the same way one wouldn’t light a lamp and then cover it to dilute its sole purpose, a Christian isn’t to discover the hope of Jesus and never share nor keep it hidden from the public eye. The life and deeds of a Christ-follower should exude out of you. This would completely contradict the calling of the Great Commission; “to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19).”

It just doesn’t make any sense to stay quiet in a world that parades darkness and deceit. Our faith was made to be public. To be shared. To be discussed to those we come across. So what does this mean? It means that you’re called to be a shining example of a Christ-follower in all that you do, no matter what you do, no matter where you are, no matter who you come into contact with.

I guess I just have a hard time grasping the idea that someone can be fully devoted to Christ, yet hidden as it pertains to the public knowledge of that faith. I understand strategic evangelism as it pertains to countries where Christianity is illegal, but we as Americans really have no excuse to be silent when it comes to the existence of our relationships with God. I’m not saying you need to be on the street corner with a banner that says I Love Jesus!, but I am saying you should have no issue letting people know who you’ve given your life to. We’re called to live unashamed to the fullest extent.

“For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile”—Romans 1:16

When our lives get caught up in the beauty of The Gospel, we realize our existence is no longer about us but instead the many facets that make up the person of Christ. Our vocations as Christ-followers is to share The Gospel; the alluring and jaw-dropping beauty of The Gospel. Let your faith be known and your faith be strong. Don’t keep your relationship with God private, but instead outspoken and grace-filled.

—Jarrid Wilson

“Where do you get your validation from?”

My question for you is “Where do you get your validation from?” Do you get your validation from guys or how many followers you have on Instagram (or “likes,” for that matter?), or does your worth come from being God’s daughter? We should walk in our call as daughters of the King, and being bought by a price when Jesus died on the cross for us. Our royalty is our identity in who we are in Christ, and what we need to remember (all of us, even me) is that we need to remove thoughts of comparison to others and realize we are already accepted, loved, adored and valued by the REAL Prince…the Prince of Peace, amen?

Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. (Romans 8:17)

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. (1 Peter 2:9)

God tells us that He loved us first, and that is why we love Him back. He died for us while we were still sinners, when we still mocked God and doubted. He went through with His promise because God keeps His word. Let us remember that, yes, we have a flesh and temptation, and it isn’t easy nowadays with social media and comparing ourselves to others or wanting affection from a guy, but JESUS is the only one who can fill your heart and completely give you peace. No man can fully complete you and/or satisfy that desire to be loved. People can love you and be there for you temporarily, but they will eventually disappoint you. Even pastors, leaders and family members will fail you, but God never will fail you. Man may say something and do another, may speak a promise but maybe break it, but our Father in heaven never will. He will NEVER leave us or forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:6).

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.(Romans 5:8)

Wanting human validation is natural, and there is nothing wrong with love or affection, but if you become consumed by it, idolize it, lose your self-worth in it, then it is not worth it. You need to find wholeness and TRUE security in Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. We cannot keep running around the same mountain (of competing with the world, needing man’s applause or approval, or even wanting that attention from a guy). It is REALLY okay. You will survive, and God will send the man of God for you who DESERVES your love and beauty (internal and external), and someone who will not string you along or need to “think” about it. Yes, wisdom is good and balance is good, but we need to stop freaking out when people don’t respond the way we want or when we want. Amen?

I love this article on validation from Relevant magazine called “Death by Validation.” The writer explains how he needed one night to have someone like his post on social media and was craving to be validated, but realized he had a problem. He calls it “validation addiction.” SO TRUE. Isn’t that our culture? He says, pertaining to his writing and creativity, he didn’t feel like he had a big enough platform or reach with people. He says that it has affected his identity and even his passion. “How dangerous is it that validation, and the lack thereof, seeps into my creativity, identity and motivation like a radiation leak,” he says. He also quotes an author, Steven Pressfield, who made a great point on excellence and that not everyone will notice this right away.

I say, why not be complete in God’s approval, whether man notices or not? (Galatians 1:10) At the end of the day and at the end of your life, no one else will be standing before you and God, giving an account.We need God’s approval first, and when we seek Him above all else, everything will eventually fall into place. We don’t need to strive when we work for God, or when we are honoring God. Yes, things may take time, but God will open doors no man can shut (Isaiah 22:22) and His ways are higher than ours (Isaiah 55). Let us break the chains of needing approval through people or things, amen?

“The artist cannot look to others to validate his efforts or his calling. If you don’t believe me, ask Van Gogh, who produced masterpiece after masterpiece and never found a buyer in his whole life.” —Steven Pressfield, The War of Art

Written by Christi Given for Project Inspired

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It’s been forever since my last post…so much going on. Definitely some exciting news coming soon! I’m going to try my best to stay up to date here.

Have a blessed day everyone!:)

Allow God to Use Your Dark Times

Why is it that during the daylight hours, when we’re active and busy, our problems don’t seem as serious? But when darkness falls and the lights go out, our fears and worries loom larger. Perhaps it’s because we forget that we serve a God who never sleeps and is sovereign over our affairs both day and night.

Are you facing situations that cause you to lose sleep? If so, you’re not alone. For centuries God’s people have experienced what are sometimes called “dark nights of the soul.” Take comfort in the fact that God uses these times of darkness to teach us invaluable lessons we might never learn in the light. He desires to teach us things about Himself that we will only learn in the dark—when we are holding tightly to Him and He has our undivided attention.

Allow God to use these dark times to give you “the treasures of darkness, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the Lord, the God of Israel, who summons you by name” (Isaiah 45:3).

“Lord, I pray You will fill my darkness with Your light and give me peace.”

Stormie Omartian

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What is Low Self-esteem?

“Low self-esteem is a thinking disorder in which an individual views him/herself as inadequate, unlovable, and/or incompetent. Once formed, this negative view permeates every thought, producing faulty assumptions and ongoing self-defeating behavior.

“Among high school students, 44% of girls and 15% of guys are attempting to lose weight. Over 70% of girls age 15 to 17 avoid normal daily activities, such as attending school, when they feel bad about their looks.

More than 40% of boys in middle school and high school regularly exercise with the goal of increasing muscle mass.

75% of girls with low self-esteem reported engaging in negative activities like cutting, bullying, smoking, drinking, or disordered eating.

Teen girls that have a negative view of themselves are 4 times more likely to take part in activities with boys that they’ve ended up regretting later.

38% of boys in middle school and high school reported using protein supplements and nearly 6% admitted to experimenting with steroids.

7 in 10 girls believe that they are not good enough or don’t measure up in some way, including their looks, performance in school and relationships with friends and family members.” (dosomething.org)

Before a person can overcome self-esteem problems and build healthy self-esteem, it helps to know what might cause those problems in the first place. Two things in particular — how others see or treat us and how we see ourselves — can have a big impact on our self-esteem.

Over time, listening to a negative inner voice can harm a person’s self-esteem just as much as if the criticism were coming from another person. Some people get so used to their inner critic being there that they don’t even notice when they’re putting themselves down.

Unrealistic expectations can also affect someone’s self-esteem. People have an image of who they want to be (or who they think they should be). Everyone’s image of the ideal person is different. For example, some people admire athletic skills and others admire academic abilities.

People who see themselves as having the qualities they admire — such as the ability to make friends easily — usually have high self-esteem. People who don’t see themselves as having the qualities they admire may develop low self-esteem. Unfortunately, people who have low self-esteem often do have the qualities they admire. They just can’t see it because their self-image is trained that way.

Steps to Improving Self-Esteem

If you want to improve your self-esteem, here are some steps to start empowering yourself:

1. Try to stop thinking negative thoughts about yourself. If you’re used to focusing on your shortcomings, start thinking about positive aspects of yourself that outweigh them. When you catch yourself being too critical, counter it by saying something positive about yourself. Each day, write down three things about yourself that make you happy.
2. Aim for accomplishments rather than perfection. Some people become paralyzed by perfection. Instead of holding yourself back with thoughts like, “I won’t audition for the play until I lose 10 pounds,” think about what you’re good at and what you enjoy, and go for it.
3. View mistakes as learning opportunities. Accept that you will make mistakes because everyone does. Mistakes are part of learning. Remind yourself that a person’s talents are constantly developing, and everyone excels at different things — it’s what makes people interesting.
4. Try new things. Experiment with different activities that will help you get in touch with your talents. Then take pride in new skills you develop.
5. Recognize what you can change and what you can’t. If you realize that you’re unhappy with something about yourself that you can change, then start today. If it’s something you can’t change (like your height), then start to work toward loving yourself the way you are.
6. Set goals. Think about what you’d like to accomplish, then make a plan for how to do it. Stick with your plan and keep track of your progress.
7. Take pride in your opinions and ideas. Don’t be afraid to voice them.
8. Make a contribution. Tutor a classmate who’s having trouble, help clean up your neighborhood, participate in a walkathon for a good cause, or volunteer your time in some other way. Feeling like you’re making a difference and that your help is valued can do wonders to improve self-esteem.
9. Exercise! You’ll relieve stress, and be healthier and happier.
10. Have fun. Ever found yourself thinking stuff like “I’d have more friends if I were thinner”? Enjoy spending time with the people you care about and doing the things you love. Relax and have a good time — and avoid putting your life on hold. (skillsyouneed.com)

Receive Love

To truly love is to be able to receive and accept it. When someone loves you, does some kind deeds to you, says kind words, gives you gifts, or gives you compliments, embrace it. Allow yourself to feel the love that has come your way. Know that you are worthy of love. It is important to accept a gift of love by others. You give yourself a chance to learn more about yourself, and that you are lovable. You give someone a joy of giving by loving you. Another important way is to practice receiving love by saying “I love you” to yourself. Let that love fill your heart. Receive that love that you give to yourself unconditionally.

Odd

“You have to be odd to be number 1” – Chelsea