Becoming Aware of “What Defines You?”

Becoming Aware of What Defines You? Devotional Reading June 6, 2023

If you have ever been put on the spot to verbalize how you feel about a topic or situation, it may place you in a very uncomfortable situation. Without knowing “What defines you?”, we have to react spontaneously, [which usually results in compromise], and may not reflect our true beliefs.

Take some alone time away from the noise of electronic devices, social media, newscasts, and even family members to answer the question, Who Am I? What are the conflicts, injustices, and criminal activity that I would take a stand against? With the endless distractions in our lives, many individuals do not know their morals, values, or belief system.

Belief System: a set of principles that together form the basis of a religion, philosophy, or moral code. The Christian belief system is defined by God’s Righteous Principles and Laws.

Let’s take a look at butter. Yes, the butter that we cook with or just eat on a slice of bread. I read an article on “How Butter Works: why recipes call for it cold, soft or melted.” The three consistencies of butter produce different effects and outcomes, tenderness and lift [fluffiness], crisp, flaky layers, and soft, dense textures.

In the same manner, the consistency of butter produces different outcomes, as free moral agents, the different buttery worldviews impact the way we think. The acceptance of those worldviews along with our logical deduction and our emotional feelings defines our position on religious, political, social, and economic issues. Are we conservative, liberal, middle-of-the-road, or neutral?

The toughest battle in life is for Christian believers. Why? The world we live in is a dangerous place. Not just mentally, emotionally, and physically, but we also face Spiritual Warfare every day that unbelievers know nothing about. Satan has created worldviews that attempt to delude, deceive, dumb us down, and shape us according to his never-changing erroneous concepts.

If you are a follower of Christ and chose a position of conservative, liberal, middle-of-the-road, or neutral then the different buttery consistencies of the various worldviews have resulted in defining you as being a lukewarm Christian. Study Revelation chapter 3, verses 14-19.

Scenario: At lunchtime, a group of coworkers is laughing and having a good time when the question is asked “Doesn’t everyone have the right to be treated fairly and with respect?” Everyone verbalizes in agreement a resounding yes. But then the next question is directed at you, the only Christian in the group, “Can gay couples become members of your church?”

Unless you have a strong relationship with Jesus Christ and have a biblical view from praying, diligently studying the Scriptures, and relying on the Holy Spirit for wisdom every day, you will not know how to answer this question. This is not the time to express your personal beliefs. Quickly think of the silent prayer, Holy Spirit, Help!

Last year, one of my neighbors—a young man who lives an alternative lifestyle asked if he could talk to me. He asked me how did I feel about the fact that he was gay? During our conversation, he expressed that he was severely wounded by Church Hurt and rejected by his Christian family because of his choices. When I explained how much Jesus loved him and I expressed that I loved him too, his tears flowed like a river.

It was not my place to preach to him about his lifestyle. When we tell others that Jesus is love and that He commands us to love everyone, we have fulfilled our duty as disciples of Christ. Study Matthew chapter 28, verses 18-20. Let the Holy Spirit work on their hearts and cleanse them from their unrighteousness. We usually only have one opportunity to demonstrate Jesus’ love to those who are hurting.

In our earthly lives, we are constantly tested in our spiritual walk with Christ. This should help if you are ever confronted with the warfare of conflict. Best Answer: Put your entire focus on Jesus, His love for everyone, and that all are welcome in the Church in which Christ is the foundation. Be courageous and let others know that Jesus is love! Do not give any personal opinions. Just give the facts and do not engage in a lengthy conversation.

Christ has never-ending and unchanging love for us. “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.” (John 13:34).

The church belongs to Christ. “Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone…” (Ephesians 2:19-20).

Christ died for all. “He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.” (1 John 2:1-2).

What defines us? Having the love of Christ! The Scriptures give us God’s Righteous principles. With prayer, we ask for the Divine Help of the Holy Spirit who transforms us into the Character of Christ and redefines us as Christ’s Disciples.

Jesus, Our Lord and Savior describes Himself to us, “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:29).

Scripture: “And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you].” —Romans 12:2, Amplified Bible

Prayer: God, we ask You to cleanse us from all unrighteousness and anoint us with the power and presence of the Holy Spirit. We pray for a spiritual makeover—that we love one another as You love us. In Jesus’ Holy Name, we pray. Amen.