The Upper Room devotional reflection for Wednesday, February 8, 2023, was written by Emily Morren of Texas.
1 So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth, 3 for you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
4 When Christ who is your life is revealed, then you also will be revealed with him in glory.
Colossians 3:1-4 NRSV
MY TRUE IDENTITY
One of my biggest struggles in my teenage years was comparing myself to others trying to meet the world’s standards for beauty, knowledge, and skill. I thought my identity was in my looks, what others thought of me, how many friends I had, and my achievements. It is easy to fall into a cycle of comparison and insecurity. But as I got older and grew in my faith, I realized that those worldly standards don’t have eternal meaning. Being brought up in a Christ-centered atmosphere, I was constantly reminded that as God’s daughter, I don’t need to try to be anyone else. I am amazing as I am. I am now entering a new chapter of my life and beginning college. I still struggle with comparing myself to others and worrying about what people think of me, but I remind myself that it only matters what God thinks of me. Growing in my relationship with Jesus Christ and sharing Christ’s love with others is what truly matters.
Friends,
We have recently reinstituted a time of greeting at the beginning of our worship service where we greet one another with the affirmation: You are a blessing from God! The affirmation reminds us of who we and whose we are. We were not created to be the same nor duplicates of some subjective ideal. We were created in the image of the divine, sculpted to be unique, that in our diversity the splendor of God can be celebrated. When we recognize the spirit of God within us, and with others, we are empowered to live in reverent devotion to God, choosing to be a blessing to others as God has richly blessed us. I invite you to be a blessing to those who cross your path today.
-Pastor Anthony
Prayer:
Dear God, help each of us to find our identity in you and keep our minds focused on eternal things. Amen.
- Emily Morren