How Are You Defining Yourself And Others?

3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: 4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ  2Corinthians 10:3-5 (KJV)

Let me reiterate a simple principle: we cannot define people, things, or circumstances from our limited point of view. True definition can only come from the One who truly is omniscient. Nevertheless, people have a propensity to define themselves and others by what they do, what they have, the position they hold, and their past. Without realizing it they hold themselves back from their fullest potential, and do not allow others room to grow as a result. Strongholds are those things that interfere with Truth, which includes such things as imaginations, false reasoning, and false doctrine. We all have strongholds that need to be cast down, and sometimes having points of clarity will help destroy them. One point of clarity is the realization that a stronghold exists, and truth will destroy it. Let me also reiterate another simple fact: if a person has the truth concerning a given subject, he cannot be confused in that area.

Believers will often try to validate themselves by what they do, thinking it will define who they are, even though what they do should be the result of who they are in their relationship with Jesus Christ. For example, good works will not make us a Christian; rather, they are the result of being a Christian. Ephesians 2:10 makes this clear: “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” Believers can burn themselves out by doing those things they are not ordained to do by falling into the trap of validating themselves by their acts. If we allow God to validate us, what we do will glorify Him instead of us. When we attempt to validate ourselves we are also seeking to glorify ourselves. What we do is not longer pure in motivation. The idea is to reveal God’s glory to others, and that glory has been placed in us by Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit. Look at what Jesus said in John 17:22, “And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one” (emphasis added).

Possessions do not define who we are, but they may reveal our character and what we believe. This calls for proper discernment: having great possessions does not mean a person has it together, nor does it mean their relationship with the Father is in proper order, even though some would try to tell us otherwise. Possessions do not make us spiritual, but they may reveal our spiritual condition. A person can disguise their lust to have things by hiding it behind faith, “God wants me to have these things.” Not if it will destroy your soul! The Word declares that someone who is covetous is an idolater, and idolaters have no place in the Kingdom (see Ephesians 5:5). 1Timothy 6:5-10 really puts it into perspective:

5 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. 6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. 9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows” (KJV).

Some have an opposite point of view: they believe that lacking material possessions are a sign of spirituality. This too can be rather shortsighted. This point of view may reveal that they have a poverty mentality, which can also hinder everything the Lord has for them. Please understand that this is not saying we should be some sort of spiritual middle-class. Simply, we need to see what is in our heart, and why we hold to certain points of view. In the Kingdom, having great wealth and having little wealth, and everything in between serve a purpose; but they do not define who we are!

Our position in the Kingdom matters much more than our position in this natural life. Hopefully, our natural position lines up with our spiritual position. One final thought concerning this issue: When a person is adopted into the family of God, everything changes, and this includes our position. Sadly some people judge others on the basis of their family tree –guilt by association. Just as sad is the fact some have respect of persons based on their social status or family tree. Some even judge themselves on these bases. If you are one who feels “less than” because of your family background or social status, remember those things are in the past; not the present. You have a new status, and it is greater than anything this world could possibly offer.