Calling Out the Lies by Bringing them into the Light of Christ: 1.

Studying in SEMINARY has made me realize how easily it is for us to let ourselves become defined by what we DO instead of WHO WE ARE. The reason I think this is obvious in this environment is because we are studying what we believe we are being called to DO, becoming equipped for it. Yet it is so easy in this process to forget that equipping is not the same as transforming.

I remember being convicted of this within my own life when I moved to Honduras. A few months into the new job and culture, I realized that I was doing all these great things "in the Name of Christ" but that in that I was forgetting to pursue CHRIST HIMSELF. In other words, I was one of those people in Matt.7 - those who bang on the door of the banquet room and say "Did we not do _________ (substitute your own doing) in your Name?" And Christ says "I never knew you."

It is so easy in the Christian life to pursue a life of great doings for Christ - rather then the life of great being in Christ. I am not saying by any means that I have it figured out but here are some questions that may help in your personal meditation:

1) If what I was doing right now (or the role that I am in) was taken away from me, would my identity be lost?

2) Am I often the subject of compliments from others about what I do, rather then WHO I am when I am, when with them. (THIS IS A BIGGIE!!) That doesn't mean the encouragement regarding what you do is wrong, just take a second to reflect on how often people see WHO you are outside of what you are doing.

3) And then...am I able to see character in others that is apart from what they do? Actively search to SEE PEOPLE rather then their jobs.

4) Who am I called to be? Yes, the obvious answer is "Jesus" but reflect on what that means. This does not mean think about WWJD - but WHO Jesus was. Then the question of what you should do will be answered.