I'm just going to be honest here today. This post won't be lengthy, or verbose. As I discern that we are coming closer and closer to the fulfillment of the prophecies Jesus gives us in Matthew 24 and 25, I become more aware of how many people (including Christians) whose validation comes from the sinful world, rather than from their Redeemer. And it bothers me. And yes, it might be due to the paper I wrote in third grade titled "My Personality", in which I made the direct and terse statement, "I don't like fake people", that has described my opinions of disingenuous people ever since. [Note: I'm happy to say that my eight-year-old self learned to curb my judgment and offer grace]. But I'm still aware of people who crave validation, and not always from the best sources.
Because my husband and I are studying the Book of Revelation, I am deeply conscious of Jesus's letters to the Churches, and the accusations He has against them. I am also sensitive to the devastating price that Jesus paid for my opportunity to be spared from the righteous wrath of God against His creation. Therefore, I am greatly disturbed by the self-seeking and self-serving attitudes of the masses -- both believers and non-believers alike.
Believe me, I know that I have my own catalog of sins and times I've disappointed Jesus; a list of thoughts and actions that fail to fulfill His hopes and expectations of me. And there are the times I've been tempted to seek meaning and my value from the approval or recognition of another. But, after coming into my personal relationship with Jesus, I have found that no one, nor anything else, meets the level of validation I receive from my Lord. He calls me His own, and I only want to walk in His image. The world offers me nothing that exceeds His approval and praise.
So, when I see people who need to compete for attention -- whether it is on social media, or in their church titles, I am [admittedly] both saddened and angered. Sad, that they are caught in endlessly exhausting cycles of seeking validation from the world; and, yes, angered that they seem unawares of the devastating price that Jesus paid to free us from the temptations of the world. And when I see Christians who are focused on receiving their "earthly crowns" more than they desire to direct the world to the Glory of Christ, I wonder just how much it breaks His heart. Do they understand He paid for our freedom through all eternity, and the price He paid was His lifeblood? We belong to Him; our bodies are His temple; and He counts each of us worth His life!
Is there any other in this world that considers you so valuable? Does His love or affirmation shift with the changing algorithms of the day? And do you constantly feel like you need to keep updating your qualifications in order to be appreciated or recognized as worthy? Are you always performing? That's the trap the world sets for you!
When you know who you are and Whose you are, you can truly be in the world, and not of the world. Being rooted in your Godly identity is the only way you can stay grounded and stable. Your life doesn't collapse when someone criticizes you or rejects you in a crowd. Your value isn't invalidated when your hair turns gray, or your position in the workplace is revoked. Jesus's presence in your life is all the assurance you need of your worth.
I believe we are about to enter a period in the history of the world when the only opinion that matters is the voice of our Savior. The latter days are described in the Bible as marked by War, Famine, and Pestilence. And, in case you're not paying attention, they are all being widely proclaimed. And, yes, I know they have always existed, and people throughout history have thought they were nearing the End Times. But don't tell me that you can't feel Evil and Lawlessness getting ready to join forces with the Antichrist spirit. At the same time, my spirit is sensing the presence of the King of the Universe as He prepares to separate the wheat from the tares, and the sheep nations from the goat nations. I'm feeling the heat of the Refiner's Fire as God readies His process of purifying and transforming His people to become validated representatives of His kingdom on earth.
So, while I will not judge the hearts of anyone as to whether they are "fake" or "genuine" -- that's God's responsibility -- I will judge their fruit and pray that we all understand that our value comes from God and the One who made us and set us apart from the world. We are made in His image and He loves us. That's all the validation we need!
1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people of His own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous Light.
