Identity Lost in Competitiveness

I should be sleeping but, I cannot. Not because of jet lag or anything of the sort. But, because I woke up thinking and praying for my sister-in-law Sarah. She completed a marathon yesterday after many months of hard training. It seems as if things were going as planned and then she developed plantar fasciitis. But, she did not let that stop her, she ended up running a personal record. And, for that, I sit, awake rejoicing, thanking God, and so happy for her.

If I was living by the world's standards, my reaction could be quite different. You see, we are told to compete with others, we are told that people are obstacles that we must overcome. We stop looking at the people around us as people to love, cherish, embrace, and we see them just as an opponent. While running with Sarah this winter, I learned that people are so much more than that. I also learned that competitiveness stems out of not knowing your identity in Jesus. When we know that we belong to Jesus, we love others. We do not try and beat them. But, rather we come beside them, encourage them, and run the race with them.

I am so happy this morning. I happy that Sarah is happy. I know how much she wanted to do well, maybe for the wrong reasons ;) but, I know her heart. I know that it may be imperfect, but she trained and worked hard so that she could finish well. And, I love her for that. That is how God looks at us. He is happy when he looks down at us trying to run with perseverance this life set before us. He knows that sometimes our motives are out of whack, but he loves us anyway. God is so gracious to us. But, because we see as the world sees, sometimes we miss that.

So, I want to encourage you, to see yourself as workmanship of God that isn't completed yet, but well on its way to being something marvelous. Don't fall into the trap that you are made of junk. When you do, you will end up sad, competitive, and lonely. None of those things are what God wants for you life. Rather, look to him for love and support. He will show you that you are much more than a medal or a prize. Most of all, ask him to help you love people. I am so thankful for the way that God has moved in my relationship with Sarah. Instead of competing with one another, we have found a way to love and support one another. This is only an act of God. And, because of that I sit up rejoicing, and praising God for what he has done for her! That my friends is true joy in this life.

Find your identity in God. Stop believing the lies you have been told. Embrace the truth that God loves you, works on you, and is never finished making you who he wants you to be...