Kept especially for a particular purpose or person
Me… You… The King… The
Queen… The President
or CEO
To be seen
and perhaps recognized
To express
position
To reveal
what you think you are
Any place that
is a place
At the
highest point or the lowest
Near or from
a distance
Today I
walked into Living Faith Christian Center a bit later than usual and by
myself. Not with the usual four men that
either follow or lead – my husband and our three boys.
As they always
do, the ushers asked and I answered, “I’m only one today.” They then lead me to
a designated seat… toward the front of the sanctuary, and more specifically,
the second row – behind the Deacons, Ministers and Pastors.
When I looked
at the seat it had a sign that read “Reserved.” Usually I’d be the first to
step back and refuse out of respect to which the reservation may belong to.
But, not this time. I instead settled my purse on the floor and began to
worship along with everyone else.
It really
isn’t a big deal up to a certain extent – respect. Within a normal or abnormal
mindset, the seat may have been reserved for the Security Team or for Katy
Perry. And yet, it was given to me.
It was
reserved… for me… without expecting it, without whomever realizing and simply
for being myself in Him. I say this with pride because I got to sit a few feet
away from the altar in which our Worship Team and my Pastor stands.
Proverbs 4 (AMP)
23. Watch over your
heart with all diligence. For from it flows the springs of life.
24. Put away from you
a deceitful (lying and deceitful) mouth, and put devious lips far from you.
25. Let your eyes
look directly ahead (toward the path of moral courage) and let your gaze be
fixed straight in front of you (toward the path of integrity)
In the
past, Jocelyn had become familiar with the challenges of change. One particular
lesson she had learned was that it’s easier to change for someone else, rather
than for oneself. Concentrating on specific examples, Lacey changed trying to
gain Brad’s approval.
Approval – the action of officially agreeing to
something or accepting something as satisfactory.
What’s approval worth to you?
It’s a
question with several answers that may or may not carry boundaries…
Respectable
or Immoral
1. The teacher’s approval equals good grades
– the cost is working toward the goal.
2. The teacher’s approval equals good grades
– the cost is allowing him/her to manipulate you into doing something other
than schoolwork.
1. Your boss notices the extra hours you’ve
put in and decides to give you a raise or bonus.
2. Your boss notices your assets and decides
to give you a raise or bonus only after you’ve put in some extra hours.
1. Your child decides to have a
relationship, wanting them to meet you.
2. Your child’s relationship decides that
they need to expose their assets in order to have a relationship.
The above
situations are the simplest encounter from many that are much harder to
tolerate and they usually begin during the teen years, continuing onto
adulthood. Somehow the message that was taught during childhood disintegrated
into wanting to be accepted because of someone else’s opinion on your worth. An
opinion that may have been voiced by a parent or guardian, a counselor or
teacher but ignored because ignorance expressed greater interest in approved.
When did we
decide that our worth is based on
what we look like or what others may think of
us?
Antoni told her that he changed certain aspects of his life
without realizing it. The proof was when he explained that before meeting her
he wasn’t as detailed and creative. At first he was convinced that it was for
her, but then he recognized that the alteration allowed him to grow as an
individual and in their relationship. Her personal transformation started when
she tried making breakfast for Antoni.
I’ve met
people who have changed for the better because they knew that if they didn’t it
would have brought forth negative consequences.
How did we
decide that our worth is based on
what we look like or what others may think?
A few weeks had gone by when another point grabbed her.
People will change for others as though it’s a favor or a gift to that person.
It’s important to understand that it was supposed to be for one’s personal
benefit and gain. Unfortunately, there is a greater interest in how others feel
even if it turns out wrong. What’s gained? Resentment, the lack of recognition,
and many other negative emotions develop as the reality hits, sometimes too
late.
It sounds
selfish, wanting to do something as a personal accomplishment, but realizing
that it is a task God had given His people as a way to improve. She thought
about it in using previous examples. Lacey changed her look for Brad twice, her
character, and her attitude. Within that change she lost her friendship with
Jocelyn along with many others, no benefits gained.
I am one that
had decided to make personal changes, because I knew that if I hadn’t I
wouldn’t have what I have today – my husband and three sons. I continue to make
changes, because I’ve come to learn that sacrifice has greater benefits.
Why did we
decide that our worth is based on
what we look like or what others may think?
1st Peter 3 (AMP)
3. Our adornment must
not be merely external – with interweaving and elaborate knotting of the hair,
and wearing of gold jewelry, or (being superficially preoccupied with) dressing
in expensive clothes;
4. But let it be (the
inner beauty of) the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality
and unfading charm of a gentle and peaceful spirit, (one that is calm and
self-controlled, no overanxious, but serene and spiritually mature) which is
very precious in the sigh of God.
Question:
How often do
we see someone who tries to impersonate that TV or Movie actor/actress? They
need that style no matter the cost. They need to impress no matter the outcome.
They need to show off what they can’t afford even if it’s for one minute or
forever.
I need… I
need… I need
How often are you asked?
“Do you know
what you want? Do you know who you are? Do you see your worth?
Do you… Not
they!
Do you… Not
him or her!
Do you… Not
your mother or father or siblings or friends!
Do you?
Many times we
lose focus on us and what we want, and begin to focus on our surrounding. This
is when we begin to lose self-worth and decide to want what they want or need.
How many people do you know whom damage their
self-image?
Staring at her reflection in the mirror while completing her
daily rituals Jocelyn knew the change had begun. Her character being altered as
praise to God, bringing recognized blessings that were already flowing. It’s
what she needed and wanted.
Believe it or not…
·
It’s
okay to focus on you.
·
It’s
okay that someone sees you for who you are and not for what they can get.
·
It’s
okay to be liked and loved without it becoming an obsession.
It’s also okay…
·
To
focus on someone else
·
To
see them for who they are and not what you can get.
·
To
like and love without it becoming an obsession and without expecting something
in return.
We tend to
forget that the simplest, the insignificant and unnoticed detail can be the
profound moment in ours or someone’s life. Our minds will usually think on
greater and better or what we consider significant and very well noticed, to
then forget that it may be selfish of our part.
What caused
us to decide that our worth should be limited to focusing on solely greater
things?
I am one that
enjoys admiring and speaking about cars and trucks and motorcycles, especially
antiques. But what would I gain from ignoring the Kia Soul, which I can afford,
and automatically decide to buy a hooked up 1957 Chevy, which is my favorite
and yet cannot afford.
I would
rather reserve myself and be valued for the greatness within me than be
recognized for the greatness I falsified in order to reach the reserved that
wasn’t reserved for me.
This may read
as simple or childlike, but it’s a mindset that has great worth.
Your approval or disapproval will be noticed,
but
may not be cared for.
