30 May: Tuesday Refocus

‘Define yourself radically as one beloved by God.  This is the true self.  Every other identity is illusion.’ – Brennan Manning

We live in a world of identity crisis, defined by what we do, where we’re from, our education, relationships, goals, talents and skills.  Christ followers are not immune, but before any secondary identifiers, we have a primary identity: loved by God.

When we see ourselves accurately as one loved by God, we begin to see others accurately as well.  To be loved much is to love much (Lk 7:47). 

What I pray our time in 1 John does for each of us is help to reframe our understanding of who we are, and why we serve.  We serve as those who are loved, we serve from love, we serve because of Love.

‘Above all, put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.’ Colossians 3:14 [CSB]

From love,

AB

Celebrating the Imago Dei

Isn’t it just like God…
That our sermon series in Genesis found us talking about the Imago Dei - how people are made in the image of God - the day after my country bans immigrants and refugees.
Isn’t it just like God…
That the team of image-bearing musicians I served with this morning represented three continents, four countries, men and women of different ages and backgrounds.
Isn’t it just like God…
In the midst of my grief over the mistreatment of fellow image-bearers around the world, He graces us with glimpses of heaven as we image Him together as the gathered Church. Men and women, young and old, poor and affluent, wise and simple, culture and country - gathered together, united as image-bearers, united in Christ.
Isn’t it just like God.
'Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people... a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.' Lk 2:10-11