I received an email about it the other day. I can imagine you have as well. I saw a commercial about it just within the past few days. I suspect you have also. It is becoming a scourge, a blight, on our lives. And our security.
I hope I have piqued your curiosity-meter to working overtime wondering what I’m referring to.
IT. No, not as in “I work in IT.” IT as in Identity Theft.
Seemingly more and more it is becoming an issue. Social Security #. Home ownership. Bank accounts.
There’s another kind of IT. The kind where someone tries to tell us we aren’t who we are. You are “stupid” or “fat” or “a waste” or “a junkie” or “a nobody.” There are racial slurs thrown around. There are false accusations made, though untrue, which cut deeply. And on and on.
To counteract that there are those who say we need to look within ourselves and bolster ourselves and repeat a mantra that “I am somebody.” Media influencers “preach” at us about how beautiful, smart, wise, etc. we are.
For followers of Jesus, we find our identity in Christ. We are specially made; we are important; we are who we are because we are God’s. I’m not talking about an arrogance around people as though you are better than they are. “I’m a follower of Christ and you aren’t. Na Na Na Na.” In Matthew 5:22 Jesus tells his listeners about calling someone “Raca” or “fool.” Using those words was equal to calling someone an idiot. It was used to demean someone or demote them by robbing them of their dignity and true identity.
Let’s remember two things: 1) who we are in Christ; and 2) every person has value, no matter their color, status, wealth, or mental capacity. Our words will display whether we believe that or not.
I heard it put this way: “To insult the creature is to insult the Creator.”
Amen, Bill!
Thanks Diane.
Amen! You echo my thinking exactly! Thanks, Bill!
Thank you Pam. It is nice to be encouraged.
Both of the items you say to remember are needed. We have to recognize who we are in Christ. We are loved, we are forgiven, we are a new creation, we are His sons and daughters, heirs to the throne. Let’s not take that lightly. We also must recognize God’s desire to welcome ANYONE and EVERYONE into His family. The cost was Jesus…I think that should express the value He has placed on us and how much we should value others.
Well said Ryan. Your comment of ANYONE and EVERYONE is important and needs to be remembered and broadcast.
Father, as we walk in the world belonging to you, we can either shine Your light or snuff it out. Our words to everyone need to be said so that they glorify You, and do not cause damage to individuals or Your Kingdom. Every soul is important to You, and You want us to witness to the lost for You, we need to drive people towards You not away from You. Help our words and actions to glorify You and strengthen Your Kingdom.
I can’t add much to that Gail except an AMEN!
Because we are created in God’s image, we all have value and worth, Bill. Let’s treat each other accordingly. Blessings!
That is truth in every way Martha. Thanks