"Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize of God’s heavenly calling in Christ Jesus."
~ Philippians 3:13-14
The other day, I heard a story that was utterly heartbreaking.
Someone decided that the best thing they could do in the way of self-love would be to stay home forever, because they were intimidated by other people. (As a side note, the context did not suggest clinical agoraphobia, simply choice.)
To be clear, I do believe in the idea of self-love.
Healthy, honoring to the creation of the Creator that you are, self-love.
Nothing on the inappropriate side of the line of self-regard, up to and including narcissism. On the opposite end of the spectrum, some seem to disregard entirely the idea or need for self-love... I respectfully disagree.
We've talked about this before. We are called to love our neighbor as ourselves, so if we don't have healthy love/respect/regard of self, how are we to love our neighbor well?
I believe there's an intentionality, maturity, and partnership with the Father required to love oneself well. It's a journey.
What I do not believe under any circumstance is that He would have us throw up our hands in a challenging or downright hard situation (ie: being so uncomfortable with others that we'd sequester ourselves away for the rest of our days.)
We are not to surrender, give up, throw in the towel.
I'm not suggesting such circumstances wouldn't take something, they would. But, each of us is a work in progress, and we co-labor with the Creator of the heavens and the earth to be refined, moulded, and sharpened.
Being an active participant in that work is, to my mind, a true act of self love... and obedience in becoming whomever it is we were created to be.
So, I would ask you...
Is there an area of your life that needs this kind of T.L.C.?
Pray. Seek that still small voice. And then, act in boldness as you endeavor daily to exercise and strengthen the critical areas of weakness.
I'll pray for you as I too do the same. :)
Abba,
You know each of us better than any other, better than we even know ourselves.
You know what we need to work on in the light of day and in the recesses of our soul.
I pray You would whisper to us of these things, that You would shine a light, that You would take our hand, help us to know You are there, and help us to have the inclination toward obedience and surrender, as well as the fortitude to act, to make the effort to grow and heal and become all that You would have us be.
We trust You, we need You, we choose You.
These things we pray in the name of Your Son.,
Amen.
"He answered, “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’ and ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ ”" ~ Luke 10:27
"Watch yourselves, so that you should not lose what things we have worked for, but you may receive a full reward." ~ 2 John 1:8
"For God is not unjust. He will not forget your work and the love you have shown for His name as you have ministered to the saints and continue to do so. We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure." ~ Hebrews 6:10
May the Good Lord bless you and keep you, friends... always, in all ways. Amen.
Bonus song of praise... ♥
Sharables! ...and, hey, thanks for sharing. ♥
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