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by Meghan McSwain I am writing this the day after graduation. As I reflect back over the last 4 1/2 years, there is a blur of books read, papers written and tests taken. I have driven many miles, been to Guatemala, Israel, and the Durham homeless shelter. All memorable occasions, but none more memorable than the relationships that have formed. I leave Campbell with knowledge, but the wealth is found in the relationships. Relationships are the foundation of Christianity. In Matthew 22:36 a lawyer asked Jesus for the greatest commandment and he answered: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest commandment. The second is like it you shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend the whole law and prophets.” (Mt. 22:37-40). Most important is our relationship with the Lord your God. Cultivate that relationship. Get to know him. It will make your life and relationships much more rewarding. Second, Jesus commands us to love one another. This is an important commandment, but there is an implied commandment that we often overlook: love yourself! This is not a conceded love, but a deep appreciation for who you are; you have been wonderfully made by God and to believe anything else devalues God’s creation. Unfortunately, many of us are hampered in our relationships and our calling by a low self-image. If I am to love others as I love myself, how can I love them if I do not love myself? David Seamands, in his book Healing for Damaged Emotions, states his belief that attacks on our self-esteem are Satan’s craftiest tool. I am inclined to agree. You’ve probably heard Satan’s voice telling you that you are not worthy of success or love. He may be telling you that you could never complete God’s call in your life. “You’re not smart enough.” “You’re not gifted for that job.” “I’m afraid to try that job.” “You don’t pray and study enough.” “You don’t have the time.” Get the drift? Satan tries to convince us that we are not able to reach our full potential. It is not necessarily in every area of our lives. Some may feel competent at work, but “fail” at relationships. Others may make friends easily, but fear any attempt to succeed for fear of failure. Whatever area Satan attacks, we must be prepared for the battle. In his book The Search for Significance, Robert McGee suggests that most, if not all, of our fears which limit our potential arise from four basic lies that Satan tells us. See if any of these sound familiar. 1. “I must meet certain standards in order to feel good about myself.” Heard any of these before? Told your self any of these lies before? I certainly have. Over the next several months, we will look at each of these lies and the biblical truths which contradict each lie. During the next month pay attention to that voice inside that talks to you. See if you can identify Satan’s lies. Which one do you hear the most? As you begin to recognize his voice, try replacing his lies with this biblical truth: “(I) am deeply loved, completely forgiven, fully pleasing, totally accepted, and complete (in Christ.)” (McGee, p. 187) McGee, Robert. The Search for Significance, 2nd ed. Houston: Rapha Publishing (1990) |