The ancient Greeks said they “know themselves.” Unfortunately, Western culture has raised its pursuit to life's goals.
But focusing on ourselves is not something we were created to do.
The truth is Arsenal's first weapon against lies.
That's the key. We were created by someone for something. Who we are can truly understand in relation to the omnipotent Creator of the universe. That understanding, when acted properly, brings us purpose, meaning, life and joy.
And according to the apostle Paul, everyone starts from the exact same place.
“And you were dead of your violation and sin, but you are a spirit that has previously walked by the course of this world, following the ruler of the power of air, now working with the sons of disobedience, and we all had done ourselves before with the desires of our flesh.
That's bad news. Luckily, Paul doesn't make us wait for the good news – that's the very next thing he shares.
Ephesians 2:4-10:
But God was merciless for His great love, which we loved us, and brought us to life with Christ, even when we were dead in our sins – you raised us with him and sat us with him in the heavenly place of Christ Jesus, so he represents His grace that is to come. For by grace you will be saved by faith, and this is not your own, but a gift from God. It's not a work, so no one can brag about it. Because we are His finishings and created for good work in Christ Jesus.
Light vs. darkness, truth vs. lies
These glorious truths are light to the world. But we live in a world of darker lies. When we see the current events unfold, we don't know who can be trusted or trusted.
Sometimes we struggle with what to believe about ourselves. It's only seen a few commercials that we're told not to live our best lives. It's not just necessary that It's new, but we are said to deserve it. Or we are said to be less without it.
Happiness is always restrained as the main goal of our lives. Anything you have to pursue to find happiness is valuable.
This philosophy has probably done more damage to families than any other philosophy. Isn't my spouse making me happy anymore? Throw him or her. After all, I have to be true to myself. Or maybe I'm not loyal to my sexuality. Maybe I need to change my body to reflect my sexual inclinations. I have to become me. This is my truth. (If there is a lie, it's a lie.)
There are human remains left behind in the wake of these lies – this multiple illusion of truth. And it's incredible.
Those left behind in broken families (children and adults) tackle the ugly reality of betrayal, abandonment, confusion, anxiety and pain. And Satan lies more and walks into this – Always a lie. A voice whispers in their ears: You are worthless. You are less than that. You are never enough. You will never be loved.
Don't make any mistakes. This is a spiritual battle, and sadly, it's becoming more and more common (see Ephesians 6:12). But this is exactly where we have to know who we are Inside him. If you belong to God, you are His precious child and will be red from the hole in Hell for His glory. And since you are still alive, it means that he has a plan for you, for his glory (reread the passage from Ephesians 2 above).
It is precious to be reded by God. That's who you are.
Keep the truth in mind
Do you remember who you are when you are suffering from an onslaught of lies from a hole in hell?
Luckily, God has given you a complete set of weapons to fight back. Paul wrote in Ephesians 6:10-17:
Finally, be strong in the power of Lord and strength. Put on the perfect armor of God so that you can stand firmly in the devil's plan. Our struggle is not against the flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the power of this dark world, against the spiritual power of evil in the heavenly place. Therefore, you will be able to take God's full armor, resist the evil day, do everything, and stand firmly. Therefore, you stand firm and shake your hips truthand with the breastplate of righteousness, shaking your feet in preparation for the gospel of peace. In addition to everything, you have taken up the shield of faith, which allows you to erase all the burning arrows of evil arrows, and also received the helmet of salvation and the sword of the spirit, the Word of God…
Note that the truth is Arsenal's first weapon against lies. Of course that's true! So here are some truths to reflect.
Paul wrote to 1 Corinthians:
Or do you know that injustice does not inherit the kingdom of God? Don't be fooled. Neither sexually immoral, idolaters or adulterers, thieves, gays, thieves, greed, drunkards, abusers, con artists, or con artists inherit God's kingdom. And that was some of you. But you have been washed, you have been sanctified, but you have been justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the spirit of our God. …Because you were bought at a price. Therefore, praise God in your body.
And Jesus says, “If you do what I command you, you are my friend” (John 15:14).
Returning to Paul: “For as many people as they are guided by the Spirit of God, these are God's sons. The Spirit himself testifies to our spirit that we are God's children… (Romans 8:14-16).
I have the Bible There is no shortage of truth about who you are in him. We can meditate on these passages and penetrate our minds with these truths, and help to ensure that what we are saying to ourselves is not inconsistent with His words.
What we say and believe about ourselves must be true.
This article was adopted from an essay It was originally published Diane Schroeder's subsack, She tells the truth.
