Lose the Labels!

Though God has created people to be unique individuals, He also created us for community.  The way human reproduction works it takes a man and a woman to start a family.  As we grow we begin to identify ourselves arbitrarily according to personal views shaped by a number of factors:  our parents, church, society, interests, etc.  We can view ourselves as being a "morning person" or a "night owl," and "introvert" or an "extrovert."  These labels often provide insight more on our personal preferences than our physical needs.  It may be one person can operate well on less sleep than another person, and that is an obvious fact.  But I believe it is possible to bind ourselves to a particular label to justify our decisions, lack of discipline, or even disobedience to God.

Allow me to illustrate:  I am sure Moses was one of those people (along with Elijah and Jesus) who enjoyed regular meals.  But a key lesson God taught the children of Israel was spelled out in Deuteronomy 8:2-3:  "And you shall remember that the LORD your God led you all the way these forty years in the wilderness, to humble you and test you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not. ³ So He humbled you, allowed you to hunger, and fed you with manna which you did not know nor did your fathers know, that He might make you know that man shall not live by bread alone; but man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the LORD."  God knows people need to eat for health and physical strength, but He allowed His people to feel the pinch of hunger.  He fed them with manna they had never seen before, and based upon the biblical account before very long some wished they had never seen it!  God supplied His people with bread daily so they might learn that man doesn't live by food only but by every word which proceeds from the mouth of God.  Moses on two occasions went over a month without food as he went before the LORD to receive the Testimony.  Moses was a man who ate like the rest of us, but through faith in God and obedience to His will found himself miraculously sustained.

As a parent, it bothered me when my children said they "couldn't" or "I can't!" when they could but simply didn't want to.  It was a matter of preference, not ability.  I wonder if it bothers God when His children say "I can't!" when we can actually do all things through Christ who strengthens us!  I don't care if you identify as a "people person" or an "introvert":  I believe God has ministry He intends to accomplish which will bless and impact others through your willing obedience.  Through Jesus frightened disciples were able to cross a troubled sea made calm; through Jesus a great number of people were fed with scant resources.  The Israelites plundered slain enemies for days they did not lift sword or spear against because God fought for them.  If Jesus can still the wind and waves with a word, can't He tame the preferences or demands of our flesh?  This morning I read in Psalm 107:17-21:  "Fools, because of their transgression, and because of their iniquities, were afflicted. ¹⁸ Their soul abhorred all manner of food, and they drew near to the gates of death. ¹⁹ Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and He saved them out of their distresses. ²⁰ He sent His word and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions. ²¹ Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men!

We ought to praise God for His goodness and wonderful works, for we have tasted and seen the LORD is good.  The children of Israel ate manna and were sustained for years in the wilderness, but we have received the Bread of Life Jesus Christ who has provided us eternal life!  As much as God has called us to do, however, let us be sure we cannot accomplish His work through the strength of our flesh.  We need to humbly rely upon His sustaining grace.  I read a quote in a Sports Illustrated article about Orioles slugger Chris Davis concerning the Gospel:  "One of the biggest misconceptions of the gospel, in my mind, is that you have to be perfect,” he says now. “That is the complete opposite of the truth. Christ paid for our sins on the cross knowing that we would never be able to measure up."  Christianity is a game of failure, too, he says. The idea is to fall short, then wake up the next day and try again."  I believe I understand what is meant by Christianity being a "game of failure," pointing out the obvious fact all have sinned before God.  Faith in Christ is no claim to perfection but our ongoing need of sanctification.  But I would contend with the conclusion suggested by the author, that having fallen short the next day we are to try again - and the implications are to fail again.

No, the glory of the Gospel is not our ability to do, nor in the opportunity to try again:  it is who Jesus is and all He has done.  When Jesus died on Calvary, He said "It is finished!"  It is no longer about me trying to measure up to God's impossible standard, but having been made free from sin to walk righteously in the power of the Holy Spirit through faith.  There is no room for boasting, even if we are able to walk uprightly without sin because Jesus has washed us clean.  He has made us new creations for His glory.  It is not about our continual failure but Christ's victory; it is not about measuring up but responding joyfully and righteously to the great love God has demonstrated for us.  Before God there are no "introverts" or "extroverts," just treasured souls graciously redeemed by the blood of the Lamb.  God is not limited by our failures, nor impressed with our devotion.  But He is pleased when we live uprightly led by the Spirit, do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God whatever the circumstances.  We are not perfect, but whatever God tells us to do through Him we can do it - regardless of arbitrary labels - because it is through Him our strength comes.