KEY PRINCIPLES FROM THIS MESSAGE:
“Fight” [present-imperative: ongoing command] – from agonizomai – means to struggle, literally (to compete for a prize), figuratively (to contend with an adversary), or genitive case (to endeavor to accomplish something) — fight, labor fervently, strive.
Life is a battle, for sure, but the Bible teaches us (actually reveals to us through the very life of Jesus Christ) that we can fight the good fight with poise, dignity, and tremendous success, as long as we prepare and execute as obedient children of God, AND we allow others to shine.
Accepting who we are in Christ means accepting others for who they are, also (aka – “making room” for them). This “settling” in the soul is a wonderful blessing for everyone because it enables others in the family to function in the purpose God has called them to.
We must be ever-aware of the fact that we, as individuals, are members of a much larger context called human history. We are to remain mindful, always, of the presence of others who we are called to empathize and serve with. We all have a role to play.
It’s not what you call your gifts, it’s whether you embrace your calling.
Be present. Be yourself.
Don’t Allow Labels to Define Who You Are – blog 2/28/25
We mustn’t allow labels to define us.
We live in a world that adores labels. We have labels for everything, hence the extensive list of adjectives in our spoken language. While there’s a certain efficiency to labeling things, there are also pitfalls that I’d like to point out in this blog.
If we label ourselves (or adopt labels others have given us) we have conceded, at least to some degree, aspects of ourselves that do not fit neatly into said label. Even worse, if the label is mostly wrong, we risk being influenced by some preconceived outcome for all people bearing that same label. Labels can dash our hopes and dreams.
There are other blogs that also deal with this topic of labeling that I’d encourage you to read:
- Typecasting
- Stop Calling Me That
- Beauty Is as Beauty Does (Monica)
- What’s the Message We’re Sending
- …there are more, too