As humans we strive to have recognition in our lives and often that comes from being given or having achieved a status to have gained a title. A title is just what it is a title. It is not our identity, it is not our existence and it is not always fitting and proper to whom we really are in this world. If we can learn to accept, that we are what we are and not rely on names or titles to define us. then we will surely be open to understand that which God has placed in us. Titles place both expectations and limitations on people. God does not have titles for his children. There are no distinctions in His love for us based on names or titles; there is no less an expectation for all His children to do His will because of a title.
The evidence is quit clear, once you understand the base concept. Look at the world around you and observe the actions of all the people you meet or know. Does one need to have the title of “Leader” to be a leader of people? Does one need to have the title of Stephen Minister to care for people in need? Does one need to have the title of Teacher to train and be a mentor to people? Does one need the title of Pastor to minister and share God’s love and hope for His creation?
Some times those who have earned and have been granted a title feel a burden to live up to the expectations of that title. Often times, those expectations are either self imposed or have been planted by others who have defined the role and responsibility on their terms or at least on earthly terms for those who carry that title. This then can limit and this then create boundaries for those who God has chosen to be what He created them to be.
Earthly definitions of who we are and how we are to respond by designation of our title can lead us to hide and to hold ourselves back from who we are to be by His design. I have been blessed to have been taught by those who are not “Teachers”, I have been blessed to have been cared for by people who are not “Ministers”, and I have been fortunate to have been counseled by those who are not “Counselors”.
We are who we are because that is who God made us to be. When we can open ourselves up to accept that earthly titles mean nothing in God’s kingdom, then and only then can we be free to be His creation.
The evidence is quit clear, once you understand the base concept. Look at the world around you and observe the actions of all the people you meet or know. Does one need to have the title of “Leader” to be a leader of people? Does one need to have the title of Stephen Minister to care for people in need? Does one need to have the title of Teacher to train and be a mentor to people? Does one need the title of Pastor to minister and share God’s love and hope for His creation?
Some times those who have earned and have been granted a title feel a burden to live up to the expectations of that title. Often times, those expectations are either self imposed or have been planted by others who have defined the role and responsibility on their terms or at least on earthly terms for those who carry that title. This then can limit and this then create boundaries for those who God has chosen to be what He created them to be.
Earthly definitions of who we are and how we are to respond by designation of our title can lead us to hide and to hold ourselves back from who we are to be by His design. I have been blessed to have been taught by those who are not “Teachers”, I have been blessed to have been cared for by people who are not “Ministers”, and I have been fortunate to have been counseled by those who are not “Counselors”.
We are who we are because that is who God made us to be. When we can open ourselves up to accept that earthly titles mean nothing in God’s kingdom, then and only then can we be free to be His creation.
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