I have a wise friend who likes to say, "The most important thing about me is that I am loved by God."
As a former staff member at a very "performance-heavy" church, I have adopted his phrase as something of an anchor, and as a counterpoint to all other alternatives that are very easy for sincere christians to believe. It's easy for us to believe something like, "The most important thing about me is that I serve God," or "the most important thing about me is that I am useful to God," or even (and this is subtle, and reformed theology has helped me understand the danger in this one): "the most important thing about me is that I love God."
I do not "perform" in church these days, but I am still tempted by these thoughts and feelings daily. So I feel ya, Brad. Just know this: "The most important thing about you is that you are loved, and that by God."
You are a blessing from every side of the pulpit.
That means a lot, Shyrl 🙏 Thank you!
I have a wise friend who likes to say, "The most important thing about me is that I am loved by God."
As a former staff member at a very "performance-heavy" church, I have adopted his phrase as something of an anchor, and as a counterpoint to all other alternatives that are very easy for sincere christians to believe. It's easy for us to believe something like, "The most important thing about me is that I serve God," or "the most important thing about me is that I am useful to God," or even (and this is subtle, and reformed theology has helped me understand the danger in this one): "the most important thing about me is that I love God."
I do not "perform" in church these days, but I am still tempted by these thoughts and feelings daily. So I feel ya, Brad. Just know this: "The most important thing about you is that you are loved, and that by God."
Thanks to the One who keeps himself before us, who grounds our feet behind each pulpit and allows himself to be heard therein...