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12 Authentic Ways to Be Known By Your Faith
In a world obsessed with appearances and good impressions, I’ve been known to sip the Kool-Aid and play the game a time or two. Maybe three. Or fifty-gazillion – but no more than that.
Recently I was thinking about what I would like to be known for. Or better yet, what God would have me be known for. Is it that I’m polished, savvy and have my act together? Yes, that’s it!
No, that’s not it. Because I’ve realized I’d rather be known for my faith – for things that add value to others, cause hearts to change and point to the One who gave me this life. Eternal things. Authentic things. Things that would reveal to those around me Who it is I’ve spent time with. Here’s a list of ways we will all be known by our faith.
- Smile, hug, and encourage. There are many ways to describe love, but these three are a great starting place. “Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples” (John 13:35 NLT).
- Say it’s OK. This one’s a biggie. Letting go of our right to defend ourselves and hold others responsible is tough. But forgiveness keeps our hearts open to love and offers a chance for us to experience freedom every time. “…and forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us” (Luke 11:4).
- Speak the truth. No matter how challenging or difficult it may seem, honesty always shines brightly and fends off the creeping darkness. “An honest answer is like a kiss of friendship” (Proverbs 24:26).
- Place others above me. Humility opens the door for grace to flow and eliminates opposition from God that pride brings. “Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves” (Philippians 2:3).
- Give. Of our time, talent, finances. Generosity helps us see how truly blessed we are. “But generous people plan to do what is generous, and they stand firm in their generosity” (Isaiah 32:8).
- Be tolerant of others. Patience, they say, is a virtue. It’s also evidence of the Holy Spirit dwelling in us. “Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying” (Romans 12:12).
- Be thankful. We live in the richest, most blessed country in the world. Countless are the things we have to be grateful for. “Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
- Keep calm. In as much as we’re able, we can promote peace in relationships and circumstances. “Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone” (Romans 12:18).
- Have joy. Many things are beyond our control, but this is not. The joy of the Lord is available under any condition. “Yes, joyful are those who live like this! Joyful indeed are those whose God is the Lord” (Psalm 144:15).
- Be Available. When there is a need, we can choose to be willing to go, be and do. “Then I heard the Lord asking, ‘Whom should I send as a messenger to this people? Who will go for us?’ I said, ‘Here I am. Send me.’”(Isaiah 6:8).
- Be Honorable. Decent, fair, and ethical. Would that our actions glorify God. “We are careful to be honorable before the Lord, but we also want everyone else to see that we are honorable” (2 Corinthians 8:21).
- Be Daring. Can we be bold and courageous to do the thing others won’t? Yes, we can. “So be strong and courageous, all you who put your hope in the Lord!” (Psalm 31:24).
This list can be summarized by a quote by Oswald Chambers, author of My Utmost for His Highest:
“Have you ever realized that you can give things to God that are of value to Him? Or are you just sitting around daydreaming about the greatness of His redemption, while neglecting all the things you could be doing for Him? I’m not referring to works which could be regarded as divine and miraculous, but ordinary, simple human things – things which would be evidence to God that you are totally surrendered to Him.”
Evidence. That, I fear, may be missing. But God has placed a new desire in my heart to demonstrate the proof of His work in my life and to allow His light to channel through me. What on earth has greater value than this?
Will you join me? I pray you will. Let’s be mindful of one point each day. Be on the lookout for opportunities to put these into action. I have a feeling we are going to be overwhelmed and blessed by others’ responses – and I won’t be surprised at the change He will accomplish in our own hearts!
Please share your thoughts by leaving a comment before you go.
Blessings to you my friends!
How every believer can live in freedom NOW
Dear friends, it’s easy to disengage from the mundane tasks and interactions that sum our lives. But it’s within those little things – exchanges with family and friends, household chores, paying bills, hobbies, jobs – where our character and substance is formed.
It’s simple to react positively to the joyful occasions. But we must be attentive when disappointment comes and realize that the event itself and our reaction to it can create an emotional and spiritual wound, forming a wedge between ourselves and others – including God.
In John 16:33, we are promised many trials and sorrows on this earth. But without guidance, protection and peace from the One who has overcome, we can be trapped by hurts, wounds and dashed expectations, resulting in bitterness, shame, unforgiveness, anger, fear and doubt. However, through my own life experiences, I’ve learned three essential lessons in how to live in freedom NOW!
Connect with God
“What you often call loneliness is really homesickness for God.” – Rick Warren
No man is an island, yet at times we manage to isolate ourselves to protect us from being seen, known or found out. In truth, it is in being known where we find peace and freedom from that which we are hiding.
Being made in the image of God, we were not created to live alone. The Word says God will never leave us nor forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:8). He is willing to give everything, including His Son, to be in relationship with us.
It is Christ, the Living Sacrifice, whose death on the Cross tore the old law’s veil, gaining us access to the Father and leaving us debt free from sin. Galatians tells us it was for freedom that Christ has set us free (5:1) and that we have been called to be free (5:13). Yet somtimes we act bound by invisible straitjackets, constricted by fear, guilt, shame and numerous ungodly beliefs.
To believe is to think, imagine or consider, which is limited to our thoughts. To follow, however, is to pursue, go after and seek, which requires action. This is what our Father has done for us, and He desires from us the same. He craves an active connection with us – body, mind, and spirit – and for us to purely connect with each member of the Godhead – Father God, Jesus our Savior and the Holy Spirit – to find healing and freedom.
“And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice – the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him” (Romans 12:1 NLT).
Have Relationship and Accountability with Others
Much is written in the Word concerning human interactions. We are to love our neighbor as ourselves (Mark 12:31), honor our mother and father (Ephesians 6:2), love our wives and respect our husbands (Ephesians 5:22-25), look after the orphans and widows (James 1:27) and much more. As Proverbs 27:17 says, it’s valuable for believers to sharpen one another’s wit and inspire each other to use good judgement and take wise action.
God knew that we would struggle most in our flesh within the context of relationships, but He also knew we would experience the greatest spiritual growth by following His principles.
“Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowances for each other’s faults because of our love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace” (Ephesians 4:2-3).
When I was desperately struggling a few years back, I leaned heavily on two friends for support and wisdom. They were my sounding board and lighthouse. I could rely on them for honesty and truth when my hope was waning.
We all need someone like this in our lives to help us maneuver the stormy waters. It was in this time that Ecclesiastes 4:12 came to life: “A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.”
When Christians become real with each other and share struggles, faults, doubts and fears, that’s when walls come down and true freedom is experienced. If you will honestly and actively apply this verse to your life, you will most certainly find freedom:
“Make this your common practice: Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you can live together whole and healed. The prayer of a person living right with God is something powerful to be reckoned with” (James 5:16 MSG).
Choose Forgiveness
When it comes to errors, mistakes and sin, we see ourselves as more deserving of forgiveness than others. We view our side more plainly and are quick to rule in our favor. But this cannot be our decision if freedom in Christ is our aim.
Psalm 103:12 says, “…as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” We must take to heart that this monumental display of love was undeserved yet freely given. When we embrace an offense, we are demanding payment for a debt that Jesus already paid and making ourselves liable for our own offenses.
It’s urgent that we see the magnitude of the choice to forgive and the gravity of the consequence when we choose against it:
“For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins” (Matthew 6:14-15).
I finally chose to forgive after spending nearly my entire life holding on to unforgiveness. What I found was that my bitterness was not affecting the other person, but it was poisoning and imprisoning me. As soon as I let go, I found freedom.
What Next?
Revelations 21:5 ensures that the One who sits on the throne is making everything new. That includes your mind, choices and life. Accept today as the beginning of your new freedom walk!
- Read this scripture out loud every day: “The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged” (Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV).
- Choose a friend who is willing to be real in sharing life, and do the same for them.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal unforgiveness in your heart, and ask the Lord to forgive you. Release the offense to Him. Choose every morning to forgive offenses you will experience that day.
Why did Jesus set us free? For our freedom! Let’s believe that in our hearts and display it in our lives for God’s glory!
How to awaken your spirit to live real NOW!
Who am I? I’m not alone in asking this age-old question. Speaking from experience, following the wrong path for the answer is like going down a rabbit trail of deception and dead ends. Even as Christians, culture’s propaganda subtly mesmerizes our minds to mesh with its beliefs, and we allow this in spite of having heard the truth. What is our hope, then, to awaken from this trance and begin living life as our real selves? Here are three actions I’ve embraced to discover who I am and to live real now.
STEP 1: Meet Your Maker
I know that sounds ominous, but that’s how society has warped what it means to know God; physical death is not a prerequisite. His plan has always been for us to be in relationship with Him NOW while on this earth – to know Him, have faith in Him, and to trust Him.
I didn’t encounter my Maker until I was 41 years old. Until then, I knew OF God, but did not KNOW God. My life felt empty and meaningless as I continually strove to meet human expectations. The beauty in this is that God placed in us a built-in desire to know Him, which drives us to continually search until we find the One who crafted meaning into our lives.
I had an obscured view of who He was due to life experiences, which I know is not unusual. But that’s the heartbreaking thing – it is not unusual for God’s children not to know Him.
“The ox knows its master, the donkey its owner’s manger, but Israel does not know, my people don’t understand” (Isaiah 1:3 NIV).
The ruler of this world is highly adept at monopolizing our attention with worldly distractions, and our life choices turn out uninformed. All it takes to reclaim our mind and rightful position is to make a holy choice to deny the world and choose God, the One who has eternally loved us. He will not force a decision. He waits patiently for us to make the move toward Him.
“So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your heart, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world” (James 4:7-8 NLT).
As I took time to read His Word and connect with His heart, I began to assume my rightful place as the King’s daughter. As I pressed in, He revealed more of His character, and I began to perceive Him as my Father, Provider, Healer, Portion, Deliverer, Rock, Redeemer, Restorer, Righteousness, Sanctifier, Peace, and the list goes on and on.
In my searching, I discovered He is the Life. Real life.
STEP 2: Meet the Real You
As you read God’s Word for understanding of who He is, He will simultaneously reveal who you are. I have found Psalm 139 to speak most clearly of who God says I am:
- Known by God (verse 1)
- Seen by God (verse 2)
- Understood by God (verse 3)
- Heard by God (verse 4)
- Protected by God (verse 5)
- Overwhelmed by God (verse 6)
- Surrounded by God (verse 7)
- Inseparable from God (verse 8)
- Guided by God (verse 9 & 10)
- Never hidden from God (verse 11 & 12)
- Uniquely created by God (verse 13 & 15)
- In wonder of God (verse 14)
- Planned by God (verse 16)
- Thought of by God (verse 17)
- Always with God (verse 18)
- Sanctified by God (verse 23)
- Lead by God (verse 24)
Adopting new beliefs can be slow, but I encourage you to keep trusting His Word and living within His grace. Every time you question who you are, it’s an opportunity to adjust your thinking, remember the truth and apply that to your current situation. Allow yourself time to absorb His wisdom as He reveals it.
“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect” (Romans 12:2 NLT).
STEP 3: Repeat Steps 1 & 2
“We can never know who or what we are till we know
at least something of what God is.” – A W Tozer
Do you truly want to live a real life? A fulfilling life? The life you were designed to live? Then do these two things:
- Know God
- Know yourself
Where do you begin? Read His Word. And then continue to read His Word. This process of discovery will be captivating!
That’s it. That’s what you do. And your life will never be the same.
Life is too short to take for granted the moments God has given. It’s time for Christians to live real now, knowing Father God and finding our identity in Him.
If you are ready to live real now, I encourage you to do two things:
- Begin by reading and memorizing this verse that describes the Creator (God) and the created (you):
“I praise you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Your works are wonderful,
I know that full well” (Psalm 139:14 NIV). - Next, leave a comment describing where you are in this real life journey or an encouragement for those who may be making the decision to live real now.
I pray you are inspired to take these steps…I’ve no doubt you will find that This is Living NOW!
Why write? Sharing faith, freedom and purpose.
In 2012 I remained trapped in a heart-wrenching, ongoing situation. I had recently sought counseling through a local ministry and was making slow progress. On one morning in particular, I was ruminating over the previous day’s session and was despondent over the hard choices I was facing.
As I was blowing dry my hair…
Hold that thought
Let me stop and give some clarification. The Holy Spirit, Pneuma in the Greek, is described as “air in motion, a blast of air, breath, wind”. So is the effect of a hair dryer.
While drying my hair that morning, I had a breakthrough. As the hot air blasted, the Holy Spirit worked to peel off layers of misunderstanding, lies and wrong beliefs that had been driving my thoughts and actions. I now had a new understanding, which was Truth!
“Then you will know the Truth, and the Truth will set you free” (John 8:32).
Our stories have meaning
Since that day, I write.
There’s much more to my story, but that’s the “in a nutshell” version of why I write. The impact of the Holy Spirit’s work in my heart is too powerful to contain!
The collection of words on this blog are a signpost to God’s truth, faithfulness and plan for us. It’s all about living in freedom NOW, connecting with our true identities and living out our purpose.
Before you go, swing by my WELCOME PAGE to hear more.
Here’s to newfound freedom in Christ!
This is Living NOW 