WHO AM I ?

WHO AM I

This morning, in our Men’s Group, we continued our study into Chapter five of ‘Bond of Brothers.’   If I were to sum up this week’s study into one word, it would be SIGNIFICANCE.  Actually I would rather use four words: The illusion of Significance. 

Wes Yoder paints a realistic picture of the men who live their lives searching for significance.  It is fleeting, and often not accorded to us while we are alive.  Very few men in this mortal plane, achieve significance.  It is easy to gain fame, notoriety, and even achieve great things, but significance is fleeting.  The talented gain fame in whatever endeavor they are talented in if they are disciplined enough to harness their gift.  The powerful, crafty, and charismatic will gain notoriety or villainy.  There are those who with a combination of talent, money, wisdom, charm, and power, will achieve great things, but significance has nothing to do with any of our latent abilities, gifting, or skills.  Significance is reserved for those who rise above seemingly hopeless odds, insurmountable challenges, or world changing events with their dignity and integrity intact. 

Often times, when we are looking to be significant, we are actually looking for validation.  Is there a good reason for me to keep using up valuable air?  OR,  as Wes Yoder asks; “is this all there is?”  Some men are content to live their lives in anonymity, and never live beyond the scope of their skills, talents, or gifting.  In America, we place our value in the sports stars, actors, or even politicians who rise above the common rabble. We idolize them, pay money to go see them, support them, and even die a little when they fail.  We hitch our wagons to a falling star, only to crash and burn with them. 

Moses found himself at this point at the base of Mount Horeb, when he was confronted with a God who was about to anoint him with significance.  Moses had grown up in the court of Pharaoh as a Prince of Egypt.  HOW SIGNIFICANT WAS THAT?  Royalty is bequeathed upon very few men.  Yet, even being a prince of Egypt could not compare with the significance with which God was about to anoint Moses.   When God instructed Moses to return to Pharaoh, and demand that the ruler of the mightiest nation on earth release the Hebrew children, Moses shook his head in disbelief and asked; “Who am I?” 

Every man has asked that question of himself when confronted with circumstances that demand us to step outside of who we believe we are.  I especially like how God never seems to answer our questions directly.  He told Moses, “I am with you, always.”  God’s answer, though subtle, was as valid then as it is today.  Moses was the man God walked with.  The bible tells us that God talked to Moses face to face.  As Christians, we have an even deeper relationship with God than Moses.  THAT IS SIGNIFICANT!   

When we find our significance in who we are in Christ Jesus rather than what we do, we’ll move into the place of honor God has prepared for us.  The heartbreaks, struggles, and achievements of this life will pale in the significance of being “the one who walks with God.” 

The search for worldly significance will leave us empty and hollow as death approaches.  Validation is seen in the eyes of our children as they imitate us.  Significance is realized when they surpass us.  A significant life is found in Christ Jesus.  

Bro. Charles Summers will be moderating and teaching the men next week, so everyone be prepared with your homework.  (Read the last two pages of Chapter Five and Change the list to answer the question: If I live my life base on who I am in Christ Jesus, what will I do?)  

Everyone have a good time, Glenda and I are leaving for San Antonio this week to see our son Anthony take the hand of the LOVELY Miss Elizabeth Hollingsworth and make her his bride.  Pray for us as we travel.