[We] refute… every proud and lofty thing that sets itself up against the [true] knowledge of God; and we lead every thought and purpose away captive into the obedience of Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:5 (AMPC) Over your lifetime there have been many arguments about who you are. Your parents had one opinion. Your teachers had another. Friends, coaches, coworkers, bosses, girlfriends or boyfriends—they’ve all had their theories about you. And because of their influence, you developed your own thoughts about who you are.   So—which opinion is right? None of their opinions are accurate, including your own. In fact, the only one who really knows who you are is God.   When someone has an opinion that is contrary to what God says about you, …

Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other. Romans 12:4–5 (NLT) I remember a time in my life when I was trying so hard to be all things to all people that my body actually suffered a few physical breakdowns.   From that point on, I decided that I would never let that happen to me again. There is just no way that I can do everything. In fact, I’m not good at everything and I know it! God gave me a few gifts, but I have no trouble saying that I need the help of others. In fact, …

Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us. Romans 12:3 (NLT) Many people get themselves into stressful situations because they’re trying to be something they’re not.   When you don’t realize your worth in God’s eyes, you look for validation in other ways. For example, you might look for it in achievements, working toward a certain job title or income.   Now, moving up the corporate ladder and increasing your income are not bad goals. If you’re maintaining your relationship with God and you feel peace about pursuing a position, go for it!   On the other hand, if you have no peace and you feel like you need that next level of achievement to feel okay …

“Why do your disciples play fast and loose with the rules?” But Jesus put it right back on them. “Why do you use your rules to play fast and loose with God’s commands?” Matthew 15:2–3 (MSG) One day I was waiting in a fast-food restaurant and had a chance to watch the way the employees interacted with each other. It was clear that one of the employees wasn’t well liked by the others. They teased and harassed him, and he just took it with his head down.   It occurred to me that this guy must have accepted their collective judgment. The others had made assumptions about who he was. By putting up with their behaviour, he was accepting the identity they had given him. …

So when they continued asking Him, He raised Himself up and said to them, “He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.” John 8:7 (NKJV) Whenever you judge someone else, it starts with the question, “Why?”   Think about it. If someone took your parking spot at work, you might wonder why. Your mind would look for an answer to that why question, which may cause you to judge their intentions. If you assumed they did it on purpose, you would also be judging them as a person. Whether or not they actually are guilty, they would feel your judgement.  People do this to God all the time. They blame Him for natural disasters and then ask the question, …