Although we’ve all had this happen in our lives more then once, we tend as a society to be so focused on our own lives that we forget to be the friend who cares and is there for others. This is not how God’s word teaches us. We are to love others as we love ourselves. Plain and simple instruction, right? Not necessarily. The real question here would be: do you love yourself?
There is a huge part of society that has no idea what it means to love their selves. Love has been distorted from its true meaning. Yes, we are to love ourselves, but that doesn’t mean to be selfish. That is the opposite of love. Love is at its best when given away. Yes, love yourself, but in my opinion, that means to show yourself respect. It means we are to present ourselves with dignity, to be the person whom others admire for the way you present yourself, and the way you treat everyone around you with the respect they deserve. Social status is just that, a status. It’s created by societies, it’s a label. However, it’s not a barrier that stops us from being kind to everyone.
Many people recognize that society tends to repel anyone who’s begging for help or living on the streets. It’s a known fact. Do you realize there are just as many people who will not approach a wealthy person as they would a friend because they feel inferior? We do not have to live this way. I know people who are wealthy with monetary things who are so deeply miserable it’s hard for most people to believe. I refuse to dim my light just because society has put labels on us. We are all people. We are all deserving of the self love, the self respect and the attention from genuine people, no matter their status, to call our friends. Have you considered that you may be this person’s only hope of finding the love and respect they deserve? You! There may be many people in their lives, but you may be the only one who has witnessed their loneliness and loss of direction who actually cares enough to speak to them with love and respect and guide them to finding themselves for who they were created to be by our loving Father.
Be the light God created you to be. There is so much negativity regarding Christians. There are unbelievable numbers of “Christians” who are misguided and being deceived by Satan as there are worldly people who are searching. Pay attention, and speak up. If it gets you kicked out of your church, find one that speaks the truth and won’t back down. They are out there! If there isn’t one near you that you can get to, start a Bible study in your home and be that light in your own neighborhood. If you don’t know how Bible studies work best, let me know. I have been in a few that were amazing, and a few that weren’t, but don’t give up.
Always be honest with yourself. Deep, deep down inside, we know what we’re supposed to do. It’s when we choose not to listen to that “gut” feeling that we fall. I’ve been there many times, too. No one is immune to that. Remember, we are not called to be perfect, we are called to share the Light God has put in us, not to shadow or mimic someone we’d like to “be like”. You have your own special gifts that are just as precious in God’s eyes as any gift the person you admire has. God’s plan works when we all stand up and recognize our own gifts and use them.
It’s imperative that we don’t let anyone walk on us in life. It’s just as important that we don’t stifle our own gifts. God made you who you are, the way you are, and placed you exactly where He needs you to be at this time. Be the Light, right where you are. It doesn’t mean you’ll always be in that spot, but it does mean God knows He can trust you to do what you’re called to do, no matter where He sends you. You are not a mistake. You are not “the one God messed up on”. You are perfect in His eyes, just the way you are. Remember that! Shattered and broken, hurting, lonely, confused, feel you have no direction in your life? There is a quote I came across recently that states “why look to the stars when you can pray to the One who created them?” It’s exactly what we need to remember. Call out to the Living God who created you, and never give up. He heals all the pain and brokenness, the empty, lonely feelings, and He leads those who are willing to follow.
Praying God blesses you in great ways. Love and hugs to all of you.
Tammy E Howell
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