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| Bolles Harbor, Lake Erie, Monroe |
One of my struggles has been about what other people think of me. I have gone up and down, at times, with the evaluations of others, whether good or bad.
I believe I have a modicum of victory over this disease, but am not all the way home yet. I still have my moments of false security and insecurity.
I know where I need to land. It's on the foundation of my true identity, in Christ. When this is rock solid in my spirit, and I stand on the truth that I am fully loved no matter what, I can listen to the praise and blame of others without taking them on myself. In those times I am free, and love others more perfectly.
Scot McKnight writes:
"Sometimes the implication of listening to the voice of God is that we ruin our reputation in the public square. Loving God involves surrendering ourselves to God in heart, soul, mind, strength - and reputation. The minute we turn exclusively to the Lord to find our true identity is the day our reputation dies. We learn, as Thomas à Kempis puts it. that when you surrender your reputation, "you won't care a fig for the waggles of ten thousand tongues."" (McKnight, in Rediscovering Advent, 25)
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My two books are: Praying: Reflections on 40 Years of Solitary Conversations with God.
Leading the Presence-Driven Church
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My two books are: Praying: Reflections on 40 Years of Solitary Conversations with God.
Leading the Presence-Driven Church
