The Lee County Ledger    Weekly Pastor's Corner

Gary's Musings             by Gary Collier

Have you ever received a job promotion and realized that it took a while for you to be comfortable with that new title? It could be “manager” or “vice-president” or even “President”, but the new attention and increased scrutiny takes some time to get used to, usually. 

I wonder how many Christians are in the same boat. They’ve been forgiven and filled with God’s spirit. They’re now involved with a church family. It’s likely that they’re responsible for getting things done at church. But away from church they may not be comfortable letting others know about their identity as a child of God. 

How about you?

What about your life away from church? Do you proudly and freely let others know that you’re a Christian? Or is that something that you’d rather keep low key, private and to yourself? 

When God appeared to Moses and gave him a new job title (Exodus 3), Moses immediately was filled with self-doubt. Who am I, he asked? (v.11) Next, he doubted God. Who are you, he asked God? (v.13) They won’t listen to me, Moses argued with God. (Ex. 4:1) Lastly, he tried the old “I have limitations” trick on God (Ex. 4:10), doing his best to weasel out of the job that God had asked him to do. In every case, God had an answer ready – and over time Moses became comfortable in his new job and delivered his people from bondage.

Gideon was merely minding his own business when the angel of God showed up, gave him a job and completely altered his life. (Judges 6) He didn’t ask for the job, he didn’t want the job and he tried to argue his way out of the job. He asked for a sign – 3 different times – and God answered him every time. He became one of the greatest leaders of a small army recorded in the Bible – but it took time for Gideon to become comfortable with his new position.

What is your identity?

Brethren, we are “the children of God.” (Romans 8:16) We are “a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people.” (I Peter 2:9) We are “the people of God.” (v. 10) We are “kings and priests unto God!” (Rev. 1:6) 

Are you comfortable in your “job title”? Have you gotten used to being known as a child of God? If not, it’s time for you to grow into your identity! Be proud of who you are! Be bold about the things of God. When someone asks you “Why not?”, turn it around and ask “Why?” When someone asks you “What’s wrong with this?”, turn it around and ask “What’s RIGHT with it?” Don’t be ashamed – proudly wear your identity and let the world know that there is a Christian in their midst who is sold out, committed, confirmed and on fire for God!

“Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed…” (Mark 8:38) 

Rev. Gary Collier is pastor at Christ’s Sanctified Holy Church located at 791 White Pond Rd. He can be reached at garybcollier@gmail.com or by calling 854-3003. You may access and share “Gary’s Musings” by going to www.cshcl.com .

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