GUARDING YOUR TRUE IDENTITY
February 2nd, 2017
There seems to be an outpouring of degrading remarks aimed at those who have differing opinions these days. I’m sure it was there prior to the last United States election, but there seems to be a continuous flow that could batter even the strongest among us. With all this comes an escalation not only of negative words, but an increase in hostilities. I’m not saying that we should be silent and not let our voices be heard, but I am saying that in the midst we must be sure that we guard our souls or our minds.
A weakened soul or mind may become damaged by the constant abuse which could bring one to depression or lead to lashing out. Some may need to turn away from the sources that contribute to the soul’s aggravation (TV, radio, internet, etc.) As the old computer saying goes, “Garbage in, garbage out.” I suggest to you, however, that you do begin to feed the soul or mind a healthy diet.
For soul restoration, I would suggest going to the one who made the soul in the first place. The message of Psalm 23 lets us know that He is eager to do something for the weary soul.
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake.” (Psalm 23:1-3)
In order to guard the soul one must maintain a proper identity. My first identity is realizing that I belong to Him; He is my Shepherd. If you are not aware that you are His and that He takes responsibility for you, your soul or mind can become overburdened when life gets to be more than you can handle. The above Scripture shows that He has all your needs in mind and is more than willing to meet them.
The Scripture says that, “He restores my soul…” If He is restoring it, I must need help to get my soul back to peak performance. I remember years ago, having a 1972 VW, which wasn’t new at the time. I was driving in Pennsylvania and as long as I was going downhill it ran fine. But when I started going up the next hill I would lose power and barely made it to top. I was not particularly mechanically inclined so I needed a mechanic to help me restore my VW back to its peak performance. If I had let pride or humiliation get in my way, I wouldn’t have gotten it back in working order. Likewise, we shouldn’t let pride, fear, or humiliation stand in the way of asking the Lord for help.
Once we’ve asked for help He will give our soul or mind the words that will bring it back to a restored state. Once restored, I need to give it proper maintenance to keep it healthy. This can be accomplished by knowing and repeating what God has said to us and about us. For example, the Lord has said of us, “There is no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1) If you belong to Christ, all condemnation as far as God is concerned is removed. Men may condemn you, but I would suggest that you give God’s words and thoughts about you a higher priority.
We could go on and on about the positive thoughts and words God has spoken over you. For now, let me give you just a few more.
Scripture says that you are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3:26) Faith in Christ Jesus elevates us to a higher plane and we should elevate our thinking to think the thoughts that He thinks of us. Low thoughts lead to low living; God’s thoughts will elevate your soul to a healthier place.
“In Him we live, and move, and have our being…for we are also his offspring.” (Acts 17:28) Are you focused on God’s power in your life, or on your own?
John 1:4 says, “In Him was life; and the life was the light of men…” We are not made for darkness. God’s light develops us.
John 3:15-17, “That whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” God offers us life as He has it.
I suggest choosing His life to restore your very soul!
Hello, my name is Steven Hilton. I was born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri, which is where my great love for the Kansas City Chiefs comes from. My wife, Melodye, and I moved to Pennsylvania and established Giving Light Christian Fellowship in 1983, where we have pastored ever since. We’ve been married for over 40 years and have 2 children and 3 energetic grandchildren.
I still feel as if I am a work in progress that the Lord is molding and shaping. At one time I was very introverted and now I see where the Lord is opening me up to be more free in my communication with people. It is my desire to help people that have struggled with personal acceptance, those who have been abandoned, as well as making bridges between different people groups.