I have a few basic roles in life. I am a husband and a father. I run a business. I play a leadership role at church. I am a son and a brother. I am a friend. As I go about my day doing my best I see people in each of those areas struggling with approval. Even the logical type people that don’t display or respond to touchy feely interaction. I’ve have yet to meet anyone that doesn’t have an issue that can be tapped. Tapped to minister approvel, love and healing that shows the heart of Christ.
I see people looking for a pat on the back, a word of approval and encouragement, an affirmation that they are OK. Those are all important things to give and God even talks about the gift and importance of edification in Ephesians 4, 1 Corinthians 14 and many other places.
It seems to me though that when I dig into the bible I find that my God, the creator of the universe, my friend, my savior, my redeemer has given me the following edification (most of this comes from Neal Anderson www.ficm.org/newsite/index.php?command=textwhoamiinchrist )
| I am accepted… | |
| John 1:12 | I am God’s child. |
| John 15:15 | As a disciple, I am a friend of Jesus Christ. |
| Romans 5:1 | I have been justified. |
| 1 Corinthians 6:17 | I am united with the Lord, and I am one with Him in spirit. |
| 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 | I have been bought with a price and I belong to God. |
| 1 Corinthians 12:27 | I am a member of Christ’s body. |
| Ephesians 1:3-8 | I have been chosen by God and adopted as His child. |
| Colossians 1:13-14 | I have been redeemed and forgiven of all my sins. |
| Colossians 2:9-10 | I am complete in Christ. |
| Hebrews 4:14-16 | I have direct access to the throne of grace through Jesus Christ. |
| I am secure… | |
| Romans 8:1-2 | I am free from condemnation. |
| Romans 8:28 | I am assured that God works for my good in all circumstances. |
| Romans 8:31-39 | I am free from any condemnation brought against me and I cannot be separated from the love of God. |
| 2 Corinthians 1:21-22 | I have been established, anointed and sealed by God. |
| Colossians 3:1-4 | I am hidden with Christ in God. |
| Philippians 1:6 | I am confident that God will complete the good work He started in me. |
| Philippians 3:20 | I am a citizen of heaven. |
| 2 Timothy 1:7 | I have not been given a spirit of fear but of power, love and a sound mind. |
| 1 John 5:18 | I am born of God and the evil one cannot touch me. |
| I am significant… | |
| John 15:5 | I am a branch of Jesus Christ, the true vine, and a channel of His life. |
| John 15:16 | I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit. |
| 1 Corinthians 3:16 | I am God’s temple. |
| 2 Corinthians 5:17-21 | I am a minister of reconciliation for God. |
| Ephesians 2:6 | I am seated with Jesus Christ in the heavenly realm. |
| Ephesians 2:10 | I am God’s workmanship. |
| Ephesians 3:12 | I may approach God with freedom and confidence. |
| Philippians 4:13 | I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me. |
Significance and approval comes from Christ. If you are in Him you have approval and significance beyond what any man can offer. Beyond that if you are in him and you have that approval and significance what can any man say to take away from what God has given you?
If God has said it in His word I believe it. Through his word I see that as I follow Him I am wonderfully well and blessed and highly favored of Him! It is my only boast – that God calls me those things despite who I am . I boast in Him because I am in Him – it’s who I am. If you are looking for approval or acceptance or forgiveness or love go to the source! Everything else is second hand. Don’t settle – dig into his word and find out what he thinks about you!
Job 13:15a – NASB95
15 “Though He slay me, I will hope in Him.
Posted by bschow 