. . . to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons. Galatians 4:5
Another notch on the door frame. Below it is where I was, this notch is where I am today. But above me is a notch to which I desperately stretch to reach. I just want to be like _______ (fill in the blank). Good as them, tall as them, better than them. How will I possibly measure up? Will I ever meet expectations, standards, worth . . . will I ever be good enough?
These questions and more have followed me all of my life. Not bad questions at all, but ones, nonetheless, that cause my image to take on a disfigured shape depending on the point of personal reference in the who or what that matters most. Against whom do I measure my worth? Against what do I place my value and significance? To whom do I think that I use as a filter in making decisions? I can think of any number of people or things I’ve measured myself against.
Why is this? Well, my futile attempts to be perfect, not fail, get props and the pat on the back have carved within my flesh a dependence on earthly acceptance and approval. Beneath the scars from wounded attempts of measuring up lies the pain and guarded heart that harbors the memory of hurt. And so long as I look around me for the answers to my questions that pertain to my life, my value and my worth, I will forever be searching a lost cause.
And this, praise the Lord, is not the way He taught! Instead, my imperfections are perfect to Him so long as I keep my eyes on the One who came “under the law . . . to redeem those under the law” so that I may receive ALL, the FULL rights of, sonship! In other words, I belong to the King . . . the Creator of all things, including me!! Measuring up is no longer necessary, because in my imperfection I am adopted — given the fullness of belonging — and with that status, I am fully accepted!
And due to this relationship, I can call on my Dad (Abba, Father), and rest in His peace!
A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones. Proverbs 14:30