Fri 19 Oct 2007
Looking for your thoughts
Posted by Valerie under General News
1 Comment
Every where we go, there are messages encouraging us to be “authentic.” What does that mean from a Christian perspective? How do we balance being “true to ourselves” and being servants of Christ and others? Where is the line between being “self-centered” and being what God created us to be without forcing ourselves to work against our gifts and temperament either because of other people’s expectations or because of guilt?
I am collecting thoughts and ideas for a possible book. If you have things to share with me, I’d love to hear them!
November 2nd, 2007 at 9:05 am
Hi Valerie,
I think you bring a struggle to the surface that is somehow a part of every believer’s life at some point. Each morning on my drive to work I listen to a Christian radio station. There is a 5 minute daily program that specifically addresses issues that Christian women face, especially those who may work outside of the home. The program usually focuses on one topic per week. About a year ago, there was a week that addressed a similar struggle that you have brought attention to. The program was specific to women, but has stuck with me and changed the way I think and pray.
Essentially, the message was that God has given us each different character traits, talents, and abilities. We are to first understand that too much of anything is not good (e.g. having a dominant personality all of the time can be detrimental to relationships). Second, we are to understand that God created us with these specific features for a purpose-His purpose, and we should not desire to change our inherent traits.
The speaker gave an example that she said was extremely common across Christian women. The example was that many women that have naturally strong personalities struggle deeply when they sit in church or bible studies where there is a misrepresentation of the spirit of gentleness portrayed as always being quiet, soft spoken, and even as far as allowing others to dominate you. While obviously being quiet, soft spoken, and having the inner peace enough to turn the other cheek at time are admirable and definitely Christ-like qualities to have, it does not mean that women should desire or try to completely change their inherent personality. There is a reason they have been given the trait of being outgoing. Instead, we should embrace what we have been given and pray that God will show us how we are to use what He has created us with for His glory. Along side of this, we should be praying that God helps us control the areas where we have too much of a good thing that is actually hindering our relationship with Christ or others. Being too soft and quiet can definitely impact our ability to be bold for Christ or stand for our beliefs. The same would be true for any other type of trait that is used to the extreme.
Anyhow, this is just a thought. Have a great day!