Afraid To Go Higher?
There is a popular belief in Christian circles that purports the more you grow as a Christian, the more attention the devil will give you. It goes something like this: Higher levels, bigger devils. This is actually a lie the devil has perpetuated in the body of Christ to keep people “small.” The truth is the more we grow in our faith, the more we understand and appropriate our authority over the works of the devil as children of God. The truth is the higher the level, the more terrified the devil.
The More I Sin, The Better Grace Looks?
Another lie many Christians embrace is “I must become less so he can become greater.” Why would Jesus need us to be less in order to look good? According to this logic, we should all stay in our sin in order for him to look holier. Friends! The greater I become after my salvation, the better Jesus looks. People look at us and wonder what power in the universe could transform us from what we were to what he has called us to be. No matter how glorious we are, we will never outshine the one who made us so. Consider Peter and John, two fishermen who astounded the Sanhedrin with their words and actions after healing the cripple at the temple gate Beautiful. They didn’t apologize for being amazing. They prayed to be more amazing so Jesus would be glorified! (Acts 4:29-30).
Created For Insignificance?
Finally, one last lie designed to keep us small: God uses the insignificant. If God is my Heavenly Father why would he want me to be insignificant? What good parent has ever said or thought “I’m so proud my kids are insignificant?” Did God create all of humanity for mediocrity or to display his greatness? I realize that many of us will confuse worldly wealth and success with what I’m referring to as greatness. No, actually some of the wealthiest people I know are the most nominal people of faith. I’m talking about greatness in the realm of the spirit. The kind of greatness that restores sight to the blind and delivers captives. The kind of greatness that threatens evil and reflects our heritage.
Folks, somewhere along the line we confused self-abasement with humility. We confused morality with holiness. We reversed who was after who. Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil and we are called to partner with Jesus in that – not to form some kind timid peace agreement with his enemy.
I write this to hopefully inspire you (and me) to pursue everything he secured for us through his death and resurrection. Let’s not settle for good enough. “When I grow up I want to be afraid, lukewarm and mediocre.” said no one ever.
If you need help to break out of any of these lies, please contact me. I will connect you with resources to help you discover how truly awesome he created you to be.
Great points Nancy! God does not expect timidity!
SO FREAKING GOOD!!!