PRAISE & PRAYER PROMPT ••• Yesterday—I went to see “Overcomer” with a friend of mine. It was amazing! One of the best movies I’ve seen in years! One of the central questions in the movie is, “What Do You Allow To Define You?”
The question takes me back to my elementary school days. I remember studying people like Leonard da Vinci and reading in my textbook the adjectives about him that included, “painter, architect, inventor.” Michelangelo’s list included sculptor, painter, architect, and poet. And while not defined as a Renaissance artist, Shakespeare’s life was in the time period and his adjectives include poet, playwright, and actor.
At the time, my finite brain couldn’t understand how one person could wear so many roles. But I get it now. I can put a lot of defining adjectives against my name—wife, mother, writer, chef, spreadsheet guru, and crazy cat lady (to name a few). I’m sure you have your own list.
But before all the ways we identify ourselves, we have the title “Christian”—which should be the most prominent defining characteristic about us. I loved that this movie emphasized this truth.
My Facebook profile description says, “A Jesus-girl first and foremost! Beyond that, Wife, Mother, Writer, and Coffee Snob!” It’s my prayer that I live that defining adjective of “Jesus-girl” every day. I’m not perfect at it. While I make mistakes, I still want Him first in my life.
Colossians 2:6-7 says, “Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving” (ESV).
When you walk with Jesus, and you’re rooted in Him—He takes first place in your life. His rightful place. And when He’s in His rightful place, we can experience indefinable peace and overwhelming gratitude. We can endure everything because when He’s first, worry and fear have no room to overwhelm us.
So how do you define yourself? Is a Follower of Jesus first on the list?
Today, as you pray, thank Jesus for being the King of Kings! Ask the Holy Spirit to help you live with Jesus in His rightful place—first in your life above all other titles you wear.
