What are You Leaning On?

What is the thing you lean on right now? The thing(s) that make up part of your identity because you ruminate on it so much. Is it your work ethic, moral compass, past trauma, career, credentials, money, social status, busyness, spouse, or simply just being a “good person”?

I’m not here to say any of these things are inherently bad if we’re good stewards of them, or that our experiences don’t impact us, but I am saying that our identity and understanding of ourselves shouldn’t be wrapped up in them. Being someone who, in the past, wrapped up their identity in sport, performance, work ethic, career, and being a “good person,” I can tell you that even though these things aren’t “bad,” they will eventually consume you if not checked. Becoming your career will steal your time and worth, holding on to past trauma keeps you a victim, and making your relationships your identity will only hurt people when someone can’t keep up with perfection. It’s insanely frustrating, unfair, and can cause you to set impossible expectations for yourself, friends, family, partner, and opportunities you’re involved in. It’s the enemy’s favorite way of confusing us, creating idols that will only leave us empty.

I was reading the story of “Jesus Tested in the Wilderness” in Luke 4:1–13, and the first temptation the devil comes at Jesus with is directed at His authority and identity. After 40 days in the wilderness, being tempted and without food, the devil tempts Jesus by saying, “If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.” Yes, Jesus is physically tired and hungry, but what the devil really did was tempt Jesus to prove who he was. He lied as if he didn’t know Jesus was the Messiah and the Son of God. With a simple “if you are” statement, he tried to evoke pride, ego, insecurity, and a quick response. Of course, there was no such thing in the heart of Jesus, and he replies, “It is written: Man shall not live on bread alone.” Jesus doesn’t defend himself or jump to action—he simply recites his Father’s word (truth) (Deuteronomy 8:3). Jesus, who has all authority and power given by God, doesn’t rely on himself but goes to His Father’s teaching.

How many times have you negatively said to yourself one of those “if you are/were” statements? I did it to myself for years, saying things like, “if you were working harder, you’d achieve that goal,” and it only led me to burn out, false confidence, ego, and this constant idea that I had to prove myself to everything and everyone. The love God has for us is the only thing that doesn’t require our performance. No good works can get you into Heaven or make you God’s favorite. His love is eternal, and He sent His one and only Son to the cross so we could have a chance at this eternal life of love. All we have to do is accept Jesus and allow God to help us let go of the lies, hurt, and false promises the enemy has tried to bond us to.

Your authority and identity are in Christ. You are a child of God before you are anything else. There is nothing you can do or prove to God to earn His love. It is freely given because Jesus paid the ultimate price. Don’t give your time and energy to idols that want your worship but only return deception. Allow the Creator of all to show you who you are by abiding in Him for all things. Lean not on your own understanding but on God and God alone.

Godspeed…

What anchor are you letting go of?