Organizing the Inside – Day 134 Nothing to Prove

January 15, 2012 at 2:30 pm · Filed under Encouragement, Inspiration, Love, Purpose, Wisdom, Women's Ministry and tagged: Christian, Crucifixion, Jesus

26A sign announced the charge against him. It read, “The King of the Jews.” 27Two revolutionaries were crucified with him, one on his right and one on his left.

29The people passing by shouted abuse, shaking their heads in mockery. “Ha! Look at you now!” they yelled at him. “You said you were going to destroy the Temple and rebuild it in three days. 30Well then, save yourself and come down from the cross!”

31The leading priests and teachers of religious law also mocked Jesus. “He saved others,” they scoffed, “but he can’t save himself! 32Let this Messiah, this King of Israel, come down from the cross so we can see it and believe him!” Even the men who were crucified with Jesus ridiculed him. Mark 15:26-32

Jesus had nothing to prove.
Jesus was more focused on doing the will of the Father than He was on caring what people thought of Him. Even while on the cross Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”  Luke 23:34 Jesus had pity on the crowd and prayed for their forgiveness. He demonstrated compassion and showed true superiority, by keeping His power under control. All those who mocked Him, daring Him to come down from the cross, didn’t understand the history that was being written right before their very eyes. Had they have truly understood who He was surely they would not have crucified Him. So as they mocked and scorned Him, He remained silent, while He held the fate of mankind in His hands. Jesus chose to be obedient to God, as He laid down His life for us all.

As Christians we want others to approve of what we do.
Even when we are fulfilling God’s call somehow many get caught up in worrying about what others may think. Looking for accolades and other signs of approval, we seek to get the “atta-girl” from those around us.

Today I suggest you put this matter to rest.
This is about abandoning the fear of not being liked or accepted. This is a matter of the heart which is really deep within. Although you have the power of God living on the inside of you, you still want man to approve. WHY? Ask yourself why. I’ve asked this of myself and I am challenged to think that I am looking for God’s approval through man. How foolish, while God does work through others the mere fact that one would look to a fallible man instead of going directly to an infallible God for approval is less than prudent. Let’s get real… God’s word is true and it won’t change. If there is any doubt whether God approves of what you are doing go to the Word. Man is likely to think you’re great today and, not so much tomorrow.  So refuse to allow yourself to seek mans approval, not if you are on course with God. If God’s hand is on your life and mine, guiding us and directing our footsteps, as we are empowered daily to do good works for the kingdom; no man needs to approve.

Jesus set an awesome example of humility, love, and obedience.

• He talked to God.
• He didn’t listen to the crowd.
• He had nothing to prove.
• He was only concern with doing God’s will.
• He was fully capable and full of power, yet He kept His power under control and showed true humility.
• He had mercy for others.
• He showed compassion for others.
• He gave love to others, which summarized the true act of what He did.
• He gave His life that others might live.

What if Jesus had adjusted or changed His course around what the crowd said?
The next time you find yourself slipping back into wondering what someone else thinks of you, of your looks, or your walk, of your style, of your speech, of your writing, or your work, even your idea, your performance, or anything, remember the words I am writing today.  If you are being the authentic woman God has called you to be, then don’t you dare allow yourself to get caught up in what they think.  This isn’t pride, this is obedience and it will keep you on course. By wondering if you are good enough or savvy enough you will certainly lose your focus. For the Lord Yahweh will help me; therefore I have not been confounded: therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be disappointed. Isaiah 50:7

Finally my dear sisters in Christ, I admonish you to abandon your desires for approval.

Take your eyes off of man.
Look to God who is the author and finisher of your faith, set your face like a flint and pursue God’s plan for your life. Everything else will follow; the accolades, praise and approval will come. When it does come, gather each one, collect them in your alabaster box. A simple, “Thank you so much.” will do. Gather each of them and go to your prayer closet and offer them up to the only one who is worthy to receive that praise.

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