God’s sense of irony…

There’s some back-story to this one.

I attend Taylor University in The-Middle-of-Nowhere, Indiana. Even in a small town such as Upland, somehow the caste system finds its way into the hearts and minds of Christ-following college students. I am ashamed to admit that I, too, have claimed a stake in the ground of popularity and wanting to “be somebody” here on campus.

Lately, I’ve been really hit hard with a feeling of hatred towards those who seem to hold the spotlight. I’ve accused them of being fake, puppets and hypocrites. If you’re one of those people reading this right now, I need to apologize.

How ironic, then, is my God? He not only shows me the deceit in my own heart, but on top of that, leads me directly to a verse in His word that speaks directly to my heart, and into my situation.

In this way we are like the various parts of a human body. Each part gets its meaning from the body as a whole, not the other way around. The body we’re talking about is Christ’s body of chosen people. Each of us finds our meaning and function as a part of his body. But as a chopped-off finger or cut-off toe we wouldn’t amount to much, would we? So since we find ourselves fashioned into all these excellently formed and marvelously functioning parts in Christ’s body, let’s just go ahead and be what we were made to be, without enviously or pridefully comparing ourselves with each other, or trying to be something we aren’t.
-Romans 12:4-6 (The Message)

Are you as shocked as I am? How convicting! The passage goes on to say:

Don’t insist on getting even; that’s not for you to do. “I’ll do the judging,” says God. “I’ll take care of it.”
-Romans 12:19 (The Message)

I had a long time of venting with two of my best friends in the entire world this evening, and I went on and on about how I do so much for this campus and work my tail off for what? Recognition? I don’t do it for the pat-on-the-back, but I secretly desire it! And I’m envious of those that receive the glory – how corrupt is my heart?!

I had to sit down and write this, because God’s timing couldn’t be more perfect right now. My life is a stressful mess and I don’t even have the time to sit down and cry. But I’m stressed because my focus is off – my eyes aren’t on what God created me to be. I’m more focused on why things aren’t going the way I planned! I’ll never be someone other than me, and if you don’t like me for who I am, as I am, then have a nice life – I’m done trying to please you and your standards. I’m done being someone I’m not. Who I am is a son of the Living God, the Wellspring of Life and the Creator of All Things. There are too many influences in the world telling us who we need to be, how we need to look or what we need to do to be “good enough”. I’m telling you that I already am good enough, and My Father accepts me as I am, for who He created me to be, imperfections and all. That’s the meaning of love – it’s not trying to change someone to fit your qualifications or aspirations, but caring for them as they are, as God made them.

Love from the center of who you are; don’t fake it. Run for dear life from evil; hold on for dear life to good. Be good friends who love deeply; practice playing second fiddle.
-Romans 12:9-10

I hope this little bit-o-inspiration speaks to you as it has me. I encourage you to read this passage from the beginning. Here, I’ll make it easy on you. CLICK HERE.

Thanks for reading.