More Fully ‘Me’
by Peter Brokaar
What do you think would happen if every Christian on earth were able to express the beauty of their unique, God-given personal identity? What if, we, as God’s people, became more fully alive, and if all of us were to start entering deeper into the ‘abundant life’ Jesus promised to give us? I think the world would take note, and ask what on earth was going on with us! I think it would attract many to Jesus. Don’t you agree?
As you may know, we have three children, and each of them is entirely different! Though they have plenty in common (same gene pool, same family values) there’s no end to their differences. As parents, we genuinely delight in who they are. Together, we constitute our family unit.
Without all of them being themselves, something would be lacking in the expression of who we are as a family. We would feel so sad if all they ever did was try to be like their siblings. As parents we’re glad they’re alike in moral understanding, but very different in their expression of themselves.
As Christians we frequently say we believe we’re unique, and that God made us just the way He wanted to. But, to what extent do we truly base our lives on this belief? Do we believe it enough to wholeheartedly pursue a right development and expression of our God-given identity? It could be that we’re a bit fearful. I think it might even be that the enemy tries to scare us away from becoming fully alive.
In the world we see many wrong examples of ‘self-expression’. In general people think they know who they are, but they’re seeking to express rebellious attitudes in sinful ways. I’m sure we can all think of some horrid examples of rebellious and sinful ‘self-expression’.
But, as God’s people, this shouldn’t stop us from becoming fully alive to who we are in Jesus! The amazing thing is that, the more we become like Jesus, the more we contribute our part of that multi-faceted, colourful, vibrant group of people which shows something of God’s glory on earth.
One thing I’ve noticed, living in different countries, is how certain religious groupings look alike across the world. It’s rather astounding. Being religious stifles something in our God-given identity. We become uniform instead of united.
The danger for Christians, who simply follow a set of religious rules, is that they end up with a version of themselves which is basically themselves minus the fun bits. Surely that can’t be God’s intention!
Today, let’s be encouraged to discover more and more of the amazing personality God’s given each one of us. May we have the courage to live out of that beautiful identity in a wholesome and God-honouring way. When we do this, together we’ll bring glory to our incredibly original, wonderful, and resourceful Creator!
Peter Brokaar is Director of Ellel Ministries Scotland and has been there together with his wife Liz since 2005. They have 3 kids, all born in Scotland! In his free time he likes reading, cooking, running and surfing. Being at Ellel Scotland has given him the privilege of getting to know God deeper and sharing that joy with many others.
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