Abiding in Christ, Living in Our Identity (by Richard Lee Jackson)

It is critical for us to become abiders. We have a standing invitation to abiding in the love of Christ to such a degree that our identity is completely seen through His eyes. It's easy to look in the mirror and see all of our short-comings. But when we see ourselves through the eyes of our Beloved, we see ourselves as we truly are -- beautiful, radiant, His warrior, His much loved child, His trusted friend and the beloved of God. Having continual devotion throughout the day, instead of relying on one big meal with Him at the end of it when we are tired and worn out, will keep us healthy and in tune with His thoughts and heart for us.

As His complete adoration fills us, we can't help but give the grace, love, and kindness we are receiving from Him to others around us. In fact, when there are people or situations that rub us the wrong way or make us uncomfortable, it becomes an invitation to step back in our spirit and have more devotional time with Jesus in that very moment. If we give God full access to our heart, mind, and spirit, all the time, He will use every opportunity to allow us to be rooted deeper and deeper in His love.

It's in the quiet and personal time we spend with the Lord that our hearts are transformed. As His love and adoration pours into our hearts, and we respond with adoration and praise, His thoughts about ourselves begin to take a deeper root. Finding, or rather making time, to bask in His abundant heart for us in contemplation and worship is critical to living in our real identity as the beloved of God.

~ Richard Lee Jackson

Reflections on a message given by Mike Galeotti at a Wild Branch worship gathering.