You Are…

Have you ever noticed how many magazines are strategically placed in the checkout lane in stores? Some sales genius knew we’d be spending time there waiting and found that spot as the perfect one to catch your attention and give you something to think about while you waited. What a shame we are given lies to think about instead of the truth! Spoiler alert: most women do not look like the ones on Cosmopolitan magazine and, unfortunately, Elvis Presley is not really alive and hiding out somewhere on an island. Still, what we see affects our thinking, even though we don’t intend for that to happen. I try not to, but I look at those magazines in the checkout lane. The next morning, I look in the mirror and sigh, “Ugh” because I look nothing like those cover models. I can only bake picture perfect brownies if they come from a box. My garden often has more weeds than flowers and all my children’s “crafts” are strewn about the house, not neatly displayed on a polished coffee table. I know I am not alone. So instead of believing lies, let’s focus on what is true about us!

According to the book of Ephesians, chapters 1 and 2:

We are blessed,

We are adopted into God’s family,

We are forgiven (no matter what, and yes, God really does know everything we’ve done!),

We have a purpose to praise him,

We are marked with his seal,

We have power,

We are alive,

We are seated with him,

We are created to do good works,

We have access to the Father in heaven,

We are members of God’s household,

We have been chosen,

We are redeemed,

We have been included,

We have been saved,

We have an inheritance (that will not be taxed!!)

We are loved,

We have been raised with Christ,

We are God’s workmanship,

We have been brought near to God,

We are citizens of God’s kingdom and of his people!

The beauty, wealth, importance, and preciousness of what we are cannot be accurately pictured on a magazine! Take this personally because it really is about you specifically. Now, being loved children of a mighty King, let’s go fulfill our purposes and reject the lies!!

Not a word from their mouth can be trusted; their heart is filled with malice. Their throat is an open grave; with their tongues they tell lies.

Psalm 5:9