Fitting OUT

I recently visited a church I had watched online. Though I do have a church home, I thought it would be cool to worship, fellowship and get the word somewhere new. I made sure to arrive early since I was still on one of my two crutches. As I approached the entrance, I was greeted by church volunteers who extended kind words of welcome. They pointed me in the direction of the lobby to wait until services officially started.

I am generally fine with being solo but as I sat there observing everyone laughing and chatting with their friend groups, I felt… well super solo. After a long while of sitting in the lobby waiting for the doors to open; I began to feel out of place (especially with my one crutch and awkward walk).  I asked a young lady who sat beside me if she knew when the doors would open and she dryly responded, “10:05”. As she put on her lipgloss, got up and walked away as if I’d annoyed her. Yet, I still kindly responded, “Oh okay. Thank you.”

Insecurity was about to set in but before it had a chance to take root, God quickly shifted my mind to why I was there. I remembered, I was there for Jesus. I wasn’t there to be seen but I was there to encounter Jesus in a different environment. Furthermore, God reminded me that I didn’t fit in… Because He did not call me to fit in. He didn’t call me to go through the motions of church. He didn’t call me to blend in with the world which I knew, So why did I forget this concept at church? I am still called to stand out even there because church doesn’t consist of perfect people either.

In an instant, He reminded me of WHO I am and WHOSE I am.

I wonder if you can relate.

Have you ever just felt overlooked or maybe rejected in certain situations?

If so.. GOOD. Because we were not created to always fit in -especially with the world!

Being a woman, of course we all have experienced times of insecurity. And if we’re honest, some of those times, we’ve felt insecure over the silliest thing( for me this instance was one of them). Other times, it was very much justifiable. Here’s the good news though. Our identity isn’t found in the perspective or actions of others!

Who does the One who created you say you are?!

See, the world tries to convince us that our identity is found in titles, finances, relationships, appearance, possessions and the acceptance of others. The world tells us that we can choose our identity.

(Chile bye!! I can barely choose what I want to eat for lunch.)

God however, tells us that we are chosen. Our identity has already been chosen as God says that He “knew us before we were formed in our mother’s womb.” His word also reveals that we are chosen, set apart, victorious over the enemy, His daughters, seen by Him, worth more than rubies, a light, royal, etc.

Specifically, Matthew 5:13 tells us that we are “the salt of the earth.” You may be thinking, “salt, really Monika?!” Well Jesus said it. Lol However, for a little context, in those days, when the book of Matthew was written; salt was primarily used to prevent decay. Salt was actually very valuable.

“You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless.”

‭‭-Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭13‬ ‭NLT‬‬

After further studying this, I realized that Jesus calls us to be salt of the world because the world around us is decaying! Salt PRESERVES flavor. He uses His followers to preserve the things of God -in every sphere of our lives. At the grocery store, in our friend groups, at work, and yes; even at church!

And what’s more is that salt is not seen!! So what exactly does this mean? Salt refers to our influence. Believe it or not, every action either contributes to the Kingdom of God or the Kingdom of darkness. Therefore, being salt is still being kind when others brush you off. It’s still being loving to that person that other people can’t stand. It’s shutting down gossip and instead encouraging reconciliation. It is literally our godly influence. No, we won’t be perfect every time but we can be intentional. Some of us are extremely influential in our social spheres. How will we use that influence? Will we conform to what’s popular? Or Will we simply do what is right in order to glorify God?

Sis, living a life of godly influence is living a life that pleases God. This doesn’t mean you have to go out into the streets and preach, or post Christian quotes on Instagram. Living a life of godly influence is simply reflecting Christ in the way you live. It is getting to know the gentle, courageous, wise ways of Jesus and allowing His light to radiate through you. Because it is ONLY His light that separates us from darkness. When we operate from our flesh, we are no different from the world. But when we allow Holy Spirit to work in us, Jesus Christ can be seen all up in us -even when we don’t realize it.

May we posture our hearts to be women whose greatest desire is for the character of Jesus to be seen in us!! More than trying to prove our worth to others, let’s simply allow our worth to be found in God. Without a doubt, it will be recognized. Even if people don’t say it. The glory of God is undeniably evident and we can rest in contentment knowing that. We can also rejoice because God is “El-Roi” -which means “the God Who sees me”. My good sis, GOD sees you! He’s sees your efforts, your heart, your hurts and everything in between! When our satisfaction shifts from world-view to God-view; we will not be easily shaken.. And the spirit of insecurity WILL flee as we walk in God-fidence; being the salt and light of the world!!

Let’s Pray:

Father God, thank You for identity. True identity that is found in You. Help me to abide in You and as I do, show me who YOU say I am. Today, I silence every lie of the enemy and I destroy every demonic influence against my life, purpose and identity. Lord, we want to be women who are confident in who we are. Help us to confidently, yet humbly walk in the character of who You’ve called us to be. Let everything we do and say be for Your glory. We stand in agreement with Your word that we are salt and the light of this dark world! Remind us of that when we forget.  Forgive us for the times we’ve acted contrary to Your word. Forgive us for the times when we’ve felt the need to prove our worth to others. Thank You that because You are El-Roi, you already see and know us at our core. Even still, You still call us worthy, chosen and loved. Your word says, “Who am I, that You are mindful of me?” When we consider that question, it ignites humility and gratitude in our hearts. We admit that without You we are nothing, so help us to cling to You! May Your glory be seen in us as we live as women of godly influence for our good and Your glory!

In Jesus’s name, Amen.