The Struggle of Conformity

What a beautiful weekend filled with fun and friends. 

Southern Belle Farm Sunset (unedited)

I am always amazed when God links what I'm reading in my own personal study time with Him with what I hear in church or life groups. It's the little things that get me ;)

So in studying the children of Israel's journeys, we find so many similarities between them and Christians today. They were to be set apart - different. They were God's chosen people, and he intended for them to live differently to be light to the unsaved nations around them. 

They failed miserably and constantly, just like Christians today. We are supposed to be different. We are supposed to be a light to the unsaved people around us and yet we are constantly conforming. The pressure to go with the flow is so hard to resist. It is a constant and daily battle. 

Romans 12: 1-2: I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. 

We see that at every turn, at every new land the Israelites walked through, they conformed to the behaviors and beliefs of the people around them. They worshipped their gods and acted like the natives to belong or fit in. When we compare, it is so easy to say, "Well I don't worship other gods." But in reality, we are continuously worshiping other gods. We can turn just about anything into a god. 

We are a self-consumed, self-worshipping society. If it's not ourselves we are worshiping, it could be celebrities and other famous figures around us. Many people worship music or social media. Literally anything can become a god when you focus all of your time and energy into it. 

I speak from experience. For me it was a person. Even as a Christian, I lost focus of God and became too focused on one person. I based everything in my life around them. I unknowingly revolved my entire existence around a human being. It can happen so easily and so fast that you never see it coming and it takes so long before you realize what you've done. It wrecked my life. The person didn't wreck my life, I wrecked my life. My idol worship wrecked my life.

Thank God our Creator is a God of forgiveness and mercy and grace. I literally had to come to the point that my life crumbled around me and there was absolutely nothing I could do about it. I not only lost my idol, but I lost everything else I ever had (other than my immediate family). I put all my eggs in one basket and it was all ripped out from under me. 

His mercy, forgiveness and grace carried me through the following months, opening my eyes to what an amazing God we have. How I could have ever worshipped anyone or anything else is beyond me. Never again will I live my life for anyone but Jesus. 

I know it is easier to understand when you've "been there, done that" but I pray that none of you will have to get to that point. It is horrible. It is miserable. Many people don't recover. Many people turn to other things besides Jesus to immediately and temporarily take the pain away. If there is any take away from my story it is that God made us to worship and glorify Him. Our very existence is to glorify God and to extend his grace among the nations. 

This brings me back to missions. I firmly believe missions is our command, not a calling. I am not "called" to spread the word, I am commanded. I want to forever sing praises to our Holy God and shine the light among the nations living in darkness. I want to live every moment for Him. 

In Sync with Jesus

The things I share in my blog come from my personal time with Jesus and the things I learn and experience daily. Sometimes they are quite random. More often than not, they may seem sporadic or off topic (like me). But they are always led and guided by my walk with Jesus and therefore have a significant impact in my life, and I hope in others through this blog. Here is where I was this morning:

I jump around a little too much. I was juggling reading multiple different books at once while trying the Experiencing God workbook and 3 other devotionals at the same time. My excuse is a great one.. I am just seeking God in every place I can think to look. I want consultation in everything I do. I am so hungry for what He has to say to me. I want His will and His way on this journey. It’s not my life, it’s His and I am seeking His guidance. I’m soaking up every bit of Him I can find around me.

But too much jumping around can leave you confused and frustrated. Generally God links what I read in my devotions, in my study time, and in my personal reading time. It’s amazing how He does it! But Thursday I found myself getting very confused with all that I was reading. I was struggling with the question “Has following Jesus cost you anything?”

I thought about that deeply and my immediate answer was no. I sit here and think about what I’ve “given up” or “sacrificed” and I can’t think of much, if anything. But then I thought about it a little deeper and I realize that when I made the decision to give my life back, to follow Him, I gave up everything I knew. I gave up my old friends, my way of life, my habits, my comforts, people incredibly close to me… I really did give up a lot! My life is 100% different than it was 8 months ago. I’m not even the same girl. But it doesn’t feel like it! So I was struggling with the idea that following Jesus had to hurt. Like it needed to feel like I was sacrificing.

I called a good friend for help on the matter. He has the answer but of course wanted me to find it out for my own. Typical. 

I was really struggling with the frustration and confusion. Did I give up enough? Do I need to give up more? Why didn’t I feel as if I had given up as much as I had? How much was enough?

And this morning I began asking more questions while going through the Experiencing God series. I am planning to sell much of what I own to pay for the World Race trip that I am taking. I will leave my friends and family for about a year to go around the country spreading the gospel. That is giving right? I’m giving of myself, my time, my money, my things….

But the answer to this is not an objective answer. It’s not a simple yes or no if you’ve reached “this limit.” It is a heart condition. If my question revolves around “is this enough” then the answer will always be no. It’s not enough. If that is the question then my heart is not in the right place. And I realized again how desperately important a constant walk with Jesus is. 

I was reminded that if you go your own way for one day, for one minute even, you will take so many steps away from Him that you won’t even realize how far you walked. It is a constant battle to keep Satan from pulling you in different directions.

So my conclusion for today: walk with Jesus. Every day, every hour, every minute. Everything else falls in sync when you’re walking with Him and in His will.

John 12:26 Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant will also be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.

Disciples

Ok, just one more blog today! I was learning so much in my time with Jesus this morning that I just have to share it! I wanted to break it into 2 posts because it isn't exactly related and also, I like to keep my posts somewhat short so people don't get tired of listening to my rambling =)



I've been incredibly fired up about missions lately. I have been reading Radical by David Platt and I've come to realize that missions is not a calling, it's a command.

Acts 13:47 - For so the Lord has commanded us saying, "I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth."

Radical really changed my perspective on "my life" and turned my way of thinking upside down. It has been amazing. I'd advise that you read it. Whether you are "missions-minded" or not, it will still change how you view everyday life and what God has commanded of us. Not asked.. commanded.

So one of the questions in the very beginning of the book asked if I was REALLY willing to give up EVERYTHING for the one who gave His life for me, in order to spread the word. I took a few days to think on that. Literally. I stopped reading the book until I found my answer. I wasn't willing. But I was determined to change that. The more I searched for God in the pages of His word, the more willing I became. And now it has become the ONLY desire of my heart to spread the gospel of Jesus to the ends of the earth. Again, literally.

Once I crossed that barrier of the willingness factor, every aspect of my perspective and life view changed. All I want is to know Jesus deeper and to share that with everyone. I got so incredibly excited for the mission that I became restless and eager to leave and begin telling people about our amazing God.

Within just a few days I actually started to become miserable.. WHAT??? I was excited and fired up about Jesus just the other day!? What is going on!?!?! When I realized that my misery was stemming from the realization that I can't leave on missions for quite a while, I felt a little better. But only a little. I was still restless, still kinda bummed. But this morning in my time with Jesus, everything turned around....

In reading Radical, I realized that there is a mission right here in front of me. It is a huge task to take on and I have been wasting my time focusing too far ahead. I was just wishing my time away for the day I get to travel in His name, when He's got something amazing right here in front of me.. check it out:

Matthew 28:19 - Go therefore and MAKE DISCIPLES of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Make disciples? What? At first when I read that I brushed it off because I assumed that was for the male leaders and deacons of my home church to worry with. Then it dawned on me how very wrong I am! I have been called to make disciples in my time right here. This moment where I am "stuck" (for lack of better words) I am to be bringing people up in the teaching of His word and working to ignite that same fire in them for the command of Jesus to tell others about the gospel. Disciples aren't just men. And making disciples is not just for men. I have been misconstruing this idea, this command of Jesus for my entire life!

WHAT HAVE I BEEN DOING?!?! So many disciples to make, so little time! I want to leave on my world race in less than a year. And leave for summer camp in an even shorter time than that. I don't have much time to be making these disciples! Time is of the essence, why am I wasting it?

So that was another thought for the day. Are you making disciples where YOU are?

Making Your Steps SECURE. Just Trust.

I love when God speaks to me. It is just so refreshing & it is such an encouragement to be reassured that I'm heading in the right direction.

So this world race... It's been a struggle in more ways than one. First of all, just trying to get peace about whether or not it is God's will has been my main concern. The next hurdle was the fear I had when it became real that this is what I was doing. And the biggest obstacle of all will be the funding.

It is just, overall, a test of my faith.

This morning I receive a promise and a confirmation that I'm in the right place..

Psalm 40:2 really spoke to me: He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure.

This is me. This is my promise. God brought me out of that pit I was living in. He raised me up and set me on the rock. He put me here for a purpose and if I step out in faith, he will make my steps secure. I just have to trust Him.

Psalm 56:11 - in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can man do to me?

Psalm 37:5 - Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and HE will act.

Last but not least.. a personal favorite at the moment.. Psalm 33:21 - For our heart is glad in him, because we TRUST in his holy name.

My heart is glad. I am learning to trust. I have trusted Him this far and He has brought me this far. Why not continue to trust and see what amazing things he will do in my life? Trust. That is the key. And that is why I am so happy. My joy is found in my trust in Him and his love and goodness for me.

The Psalms are such a great place to turn when we face fleshly obstacles and trials. They were written by David, a man after God's own heart, but still a wicked sinner. He was so very human just like us. At times he was so close to God and then at times he would run so far. There is so much to be learned from his struggles. So much to be learned about the love of God through his love and goodness to David.

If you're discouraged or confused or searching for God, look for him in his word. There is no better place to find God than in the books he wrote to us. They were meant to help us on our earthly journey here. They are full of encouragement and wisdom and instruction and help. Don't turn to people of this world to help you. The creator of the universe has something to say to you. Go check it out. And if you don't know where to start, download the Bible app on your phone and search something. Search a word or a phrase. Just start seeking and you will find it - He will show you what you need to see.

Let your Light so Shine

And yet another amazing weekend...

God is so good. He takes care of His children even when we don't think to ask Him. This weekend I was particularly nervous about a certain encounter. Without praying, I ran head first into my busy weekend activities. Looking back, I see that God provided in moments that I had forgotten to seek His help. I see that God took away that encounter so that I could enjoy my weekend and spend time with my precious girls. He has a plan and a purpose and I should learn to let go and quit worrying so much. All this week's nervous worrying about the weekend was pointless. If I would have given the situation up to Him earlier, I could have saved on the stress!

I had such a remarkable weekend with my girls! I know that God has me where I am right now for a purpose. I know that He has specific things for me to do "for such a time as this." These girls I've developed friendships with over the summer, and many others are a part of my purpose.

I have a wandering heart. I have an unquenchable thirst for travel. I was made to be a missionary. But I have come to realize that I'm placed here, in this situation, in this moment, for a reason. I have a fire for Jesus that I'm meant to spread. I was created to experience his grace and to extend His glory.

Missions is my calling. But it is more than just a calling. It is a command. Mark 16:15 says "And he said to them, 'Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.'"

I've been reading the book Radical by David Platt and I've been thoroughly challenged to re-evaluate the way I live my life. It has caused me to rethink how I view God, the Bible, and Christianity. I learned that missions is not an optional church activity that we can choose to participate in or not participate in. It is a command by God that most people have overlooked or brushed off because they don't believe they are "called." We have diminished the commands of God to a calling. That's a pretty big deal.

And many people mistake being a missionary for being someone who drops everything and moves overseas. While this radical abandonment to Christ is to be commended, I'll admit, it's not for everyone. But so many people who don't think they are called to missions move through their everyday lives ignoring the command to spread the gospel to the ends of the earth. They forget that their immediate surroundings are included in that command.

Think about it this way... if there were Christians (or at least just ONE Christian) in every part or every region of the world, if they spread the gospel right where they were, and those new Christians spread the gospel where they were, etc, etc, then we could ELIMINATE the need for those who are fully devoted to have to move overseas to take the gospel. What an interesting thought! But it's so sad that we as Christians have dropped the ball, causing the few who take God's command seriously to have to leave everything to pick up the slack.

Answer this honestly to yourself: How many people have you told about Jesus today? What about yesterday? What about this whole week? This month? This year? Think about that seriously. In one year's time, how many people were impacted by your life? What difference are you making?

It's not too late to start making a difference. Start today by telling one person about Jesus. And if you're new to it, start slowly by just inviting someone to church with you. Get out of your box. Realize that one day without spreading the gospel is a day wasted. Let your life count for more than just Facebook friends and Instagram followers. You don't have to leave home to spread the message to the ends of the earth. Start spreading it a little each day.

All Day Everyday

Hello again! Another day, another blog!

I'm so incredibly happy that it's become ridiculous. I actually found myself wondering today when this "happiness high" would wear off. And then I recalled something I read.. true happiness and a deep contentment that will never wear off can only come from Jesus. I was just having a discussion with a friend the other day about how, at some point, everyone in your life will fail you. Literally everyone. Why? Because everyone is human. They can't help it. They aren't perfect and neither are you. The only person we can fully rely on is Jesus. And as we search for Him in the pages of His word, He will reveal Himself to us and we will grow closer to Him, resulting in a deep down, genuine happy that can't be taken away because of people or circumstances.

So picture this. Last year at this time, all I wanted was to be married and have a family. I had a serious boyfriend of over 4 years, I was a year away from graduation, he had plenty of money saved up to start a life, we both had good jobs and nice cars... All I wanted was a family. A husband, a house, some children and some pets. I pictured my perfect little family and that was my only focus.

I was miserable. I wasn't getting anything I wanted. And you know what I've realized? If I HAD gotten what I wanted, I would have been 10 times more miserable than I was. And I'm not saying that because of the guy I was with - not in the least. I'm saying that because my priorities, my focus was entirely wrong. It was on myself and what I "thought" would make me happy. It was nowhere near God and His will for my life.

Fast forward to my present life: I'm single, I'm graduating but have no sense of career direction or prospects, I am nowhere near having a baby, I'm considering selling my car for ministry, I have no money and will probably not buy a house for a very, very long time. That is completely opposite from my original dreams, goals, and wants. But I am INSANELY HAPPY! Why? Because I've been seeking Jesus. Because in recent months I've gotten so close to Him and He's changed my life so radically that I don't want any of those things anymore. I only want Jesus.

I've given my life to His work and His ministry. I want to show others how to have this happiness in the midst of failures, trials, disasters and tragedy. I can hardly contain the desire to tell everyone I see about my love for Jesus and His incredible and unfailing love for me!

1 Chronicles 16: 8-11 is part of a song David was singing to thank God. It says "(8) Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples! (9) Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wondrous works! (10) Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice! (11) Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually."

I want to live out these verses. I want to remember where I was, where God brought me from and thank Him for it. Thank Him for bringing me out of that life and redeeming and restoring me. I want to praise His name for how he's transformed me and made Himself known to me when I sought after Him. I want to sing His praise, not only to glorify Him, but to show others of the love I have for my Savior. I want to continually seek Him so that this happiness won't run out. So that this contentment and confidence will follow me throughout all the journeys I'll take in His name.

All I want is Jesus. All day, everyday.

Finding His Peace

I have some big news! But first I want to share my weekend with you. I had an AMAZING weekend. Mainly because I was just incredibly happy. I am finding peace where I am and it is the BEST feeling! So last Thursday I wrote that I was feeling spontaneous and adventurous and I wanted to go to a Braves game, even if I had to go alone. Well I found a friend to go with and had a great time! Then Friday night I spent the evening with this beautiful girl at a football game...

Creekside vs NCC

We lost of course, but who cares? We spent most of our time walking around having deep conversations anyways.. who needs football?

And Saturday was a blast as well. I got to see my brother, who I haven't seen in a week, I spent the majority of the day shooting senior pictures for one of my beautiful friends, had dinner in Atlanta with my girls, and ended a perfect evening with a caramel latte at Safehouse Coffee Roasters. I was just really happy.

In fact, I've become so happy lately because I have found peace. Those of you who have been following me on this journey have picked up bits and pieces about the turning point I experienced back in the months of March, April and May. It was a difficult time for me. I struggled to find myself. The summer was incredible because I got to experience a taste of missions through a Christian summer camp. I gave my life to missions this past summer but felt pretty unstable and confused since my return home. I struggled for a few weeks in various areas of my life and made some bad decisions. I hurt deeply but I kept seeking God. I made God my priority above everything else. I wanted to do His will so badly. I ached to be in His will. I became discouraged because I felt hopeless. I realized that being in His will comes with having a close relationship with Him. How can you know what He wants for your life if you aren't communicating regularly??

I am bursting with excitement about my big news! I have decided to be a part of the World Race! For those of you who don't know, the World Race is a mission trip that goes through 11 countries over the course of 11 months. I'm still researching and planning and wrapping my head around the idea, but I'm incredibly excited! With all this excitement comes a good bit of fear too. This trip isn't going to be a vacation. Its a mission. It will be difficult. I have to spend almost a year away from everyone and everything I know. I will be living out of a backpack. Quite honestly, I am terrified.

But in His perfect timing, God sent me a few reminders this morning..

First I read that when I struggle with doubt, sometimes the first reaction is to "try" to have more faith in Him. You can't really acquire faith by trying harder. Faith comes through a relationship with Jesus. If I am doubting and scared and questioning, I need to get closer to God. I need to deepen my relationship with Him because that is where real peace is found.

The next little reminder was a verse Shelley Giglio posted online: 2 Chronicles 20:17 "You will not need to fight in this battle. Stand firm, hold your position, and see the salvation of the Lord on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed. Tomorrow go out against them, and the Lord will be with you." This was incredible. All morning I wrestled with the doubts and fears in my mind now that I've made the decision to go and I see this verse pop up on my phone. I will not need to fight this battle. Jesus will fight it for me. He will be my strength when I am weak. He will carry me through the hard times. I do not need to be afraid. He will never leave me alone.

There were a few other little things I ran across this morning while I was fighting the doubt, too insignificant to post about, but monumental to me. Sometimes it's those subtle messages God uses to calm you and to show you His presence. I was incredibly encouraged this morning by these things. I am incredibly happy. I've never felt so sure of something and so happy and peaceful in my life. If you only get one take away from what I've said today, please realize that true contentment, happiness and peace come from God and only God. Seeking a relationship with Him has been the most amazing thing I've ever pursued. I learn so much every day but still hunger for it on a daily basis. I just can't get enough. Our God is incredible! The fire is alive in me and I hope to spread it to everyone I come in contact with!

Never Alone

I'll be honest, I feel rather vulnerable sharing my deepest feelings and struggles now that I've seen my page views skyrocket lately. But I know that when God has called you to do something, whether it is great or small, we have to move on it. So here goes again....

I've hit quite a rough patch. I'm not doing so well. My turning point in March was the best thing that ever happened to me. I learned so much about myself in so little time. I'm thankful for the lessons I've learned and that I'm still around to continue growing. However, it's been really hard learning that no matter how far you think you've gone, no matter how great you think you are, or how much progress you've made, you can fail at any given moment. I mentioned to you guys earlier that for about 3 or 4 days last week I slipped pretty hard. I ran from God and the Bible and this blog (sounds funny but it keeps my heart in check). I finally came crawling back and thought that I had overcome my problems. God forgave me, restored me, revitalized me so I thought that those struggles were behind.

That was merely a test. God's not done testing and I'm not done failing. Every time I turn around I find myself slipping again. It is so hard! I can totally relate to anyone who feels as if they'll never be a good christian because their flesh is so evil. That is me. A despicable sinner. When will I ever learn???

But when I finally quit moping and came to terms with things, God showed me that my insecurities, my dependency, my lack of faith is what is defeating me. I have caught myself countless times thinking "If I had a godly boyfriend we could do x for Jesus," "If God would send me a godly husband we could really change people for Jesus," etc... If only... we. Who is this "we"? I am a christian. I want to be used of God. I am willing. I will go. Now. Not later, now.

Hebrews 13:5 really spoke to me today.. "Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So I don't have a boyfriend. So there are no plans of a marriage in my immediate future. So sometimes I feel like I'm going to spend my life alone. God says to be content with what I have. That does not include a boyfriend at this point. I need to be content. That is so hard sometimes. So incredibly hard...

God doesn't need me to be married or with someone to do great things. My fear of stepping out on that limb is that I'm alone. I am terrified of being alone. I don't think I've mentioned that yet. It is one of my greatest fears. In the hypothetical/future sense of the word and in the immediate present. I don't like doing anything alone. Ever. And yet I find that maybe that's what's holding me back. Maybe I keep slipping and I'm not being used because I'm sitting around waiting on someone else. God is working in me. And I need to do something about it. Even if that means taking the first step alone.

Joshua 1:9 says "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." So to commemorate my realization that I am actually not alone and that God is with me all the way, I spent today wandering around Atlanta, experiencing life by myself for once. I have decided that I need to start going out on those limbs. Stop waiting on everyone else to get it together. I need to get myself together and go. He'll be with me
I had so much fun trying new things and exploring today that I might even go to the Braves playoff game tonight by myself.. call me crazy, I don't know what's gotten into me but its gonna be interesting!

Too Much of Me

So I got most of the way through a post tonight and realized that I'm trying too hard. I want this blog to be perfect. I want this blog to be a reflection of me and my personal change. Those motivations are so wrong. So selfish.

Those motivations are for personal glory and not for the glory of God.

1 Corinthians 10:31 says "So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." Writing this blog, feeling the pressure of new readers, I find myself writing for the glory of me. So that my new readers will see what a great Christian I am - how changed and different I've become. That is so sinful. So wrong. I am nothing without God. I can't even image where I would be right now if it weren't for God's forgiveness, grace, mercy, love, wrath and intervention in my life. He is such an awesome God!

Even as I (keyword) was sitting here studying and reading and trying to write a masterpiece of a blog, I see His subtle messages and direction in what I'm reading. I see Him shaking His head at the irony that I'd think this blog is mine and that I can write something helpful and insightful. This blog isn't mine. This is God's blog. I am just the hands that type the message & I'm honored to be even that.

I think it's time to call it a night and I'll have to post tomorrow....

Identity Crisis

I've been deeply soul searching for weeks now. Months actually. I made up my mind about who I wanted to be. How I wanted to be. And I worked hard to be it. I did my very best. And I failed miserably. I find it concerning that when we fail, we always turn to Jesus but when life is going great, He's the last person on our minds. So naturally, proving sinful human nature to be accurate, I found myself on my knees the other day begging for His presence, His direction, His forgiveness and mercy. "Seek and ye shall find..."

In perfect timing He showed me a few things about myself that I'd like to share with you. My identity cannot be created. It cannot be found. It is given. God gives us our identity. Genesis 1:27 says "So God created man in his own image.." So already He is showing us that our body, our physical appearance is an image of God. That's pretty amazing. I don't feel as if I deserve to reflect His image most of the time, but that is how much He loves us. That despite how bad we screw up sometimes, He's chosen to make us an image of himself. His Holy image.. incredible.

Despite hearing all the Bible verses from a young age, I've struggled with self esteem and confidence problems all my life. It's just been one of my hardest struggles, my biggest insecurity. I'm sure many girls can relate - it seems to be a common problem among females, especially in the teen years when your body is changing and so is everyone else's around you. You seem to think you need to conform to what everyone else is trying out. A little word of advice.. you will continue to change until you die. You will not be the same you that you "create" today when next year rolls around. When you get married, your created identity will change again. When you have children, your created identity will change again.. and so on. So to think that we can "create an identity" is really pointless.

And to be insecure or unhappy with the way you look seems really wrong when you consider that you were made in the image of a Holy God. Psalm 139:14 says "I will praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made." Enough said. Created in God's image and wonderfully made. How can you argue with that? How can you not be proud of that?

1 Samuel 16:7 says "But the Lord said to Samuel, 'Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.'" This verse is referring to when Samuel was checking out (for lack of better words) all of Jesse's sons, looking for who would become the next King. God had told Samuel that one of Jesse's sons had been chosen and Samuel made the mistake of evaluating them by outward appearance. God chose David because of his heart, not because of what he looked like.

So now that we realize that our physical appearance is a reflection of God's image, how do we go about making Him proud of our identity outside of physical looks? Our identity, found through Jesus Christ should reflect His love, mercy, forgiveness and grace. The way we present ourselves and treat others should be shown through compassion and love just as He did while on this Earth. We should be spreading the good news through our life so that others can come to know Him. Instead we often get so caught up in what our "created identity" says about us. What does your outfit say about you? Your music? Your attitude? Your friends? None of this should matter if your true identity is found in Jesus and you strive to constantly reflect His life and love through your life.

We can't choose to be "good" or "holy" or "christian." Well you can, but you will inevitably fail. But we can choose to live for Jesus and those things will be projected from us because of our willingness to let Him use and move us.

My life verse sums it all up.. Acts 17:28 says "In Him we live and move and have our being.."