Branded
Branded
A mark indicating identity or ownership. A mark burned into the flesh of criminals. A mark of disgrace or notoriety.
More than being labeled by those around us, we have the stinging ability to brand one another. We are good at finding faults among our peers and then using those flaws as the describing words of who they are. A few lazy days can turn you into an apathetic, careless person, a curious moment becomes the beginnings of a snoop and a slipped secret can define you as a gossip. Unfortunately, none of these characteristics are ones we would seek, none of them define the sought-after fruits of the spirit, none of them encourage or uplift - but these words, along with many others, have been tagged onto the definitions of who people believe us to be.
2 Corinthians 5:17 says that those who are in Christ are not living the same way anymore and that new life has begun. If God is willing to give second chances, perhaps even a third and forth, then why are we so stuck on reminding others of who they were and continue to define their character upon mistakes made in the past? The least we can do is offer optimism to those who are trying to change. Why not make some room, create some space and even release glimpses of faith so that change can occur. We cannot believe that people will never change. In our own unbelief we are creating limits and hesitations, even more obstacles to overcome.
Fortunately, God sees who we really are. He sees our hearts which are beyond the branded marks that have been etched upon us. It may be hard to change when the borders around us seem so unforgiving but we cannot let that be our excuse. Overcome your branding marks and stop burning them onto those around you.
"Once you are branded as 'the best' you want to stay up there, and you can't do it by loafing around. If I don't keep changing, I'm history."
- Larry Bird
A mark indicating identity or ownership. A mark burned into the flesh of criminals. A mark of disgrace or notoriety.
More than being labeled by those around us, we have the stinging ability to brand one another. We are good at finding faults among our peers and then using those flaws as the describing words of who they are. A few lazy days can turn you into an apathetic, careless person, a curious moment becomes the beginnings of a snoop and a slipped secret can define you as a gossip. Unfortunately, none of these characteristics are ones we would seek, none of them define the sought-after fruits of the spirit, none of them encourage or uplift - but these words, along with many others, have been tagged onto the definitions of who people believe us to be.
2 Corinthians 5:17 says that those who are in Christ are not living the same way anymore and that new life has begun. If God is willing to give second chances, perhaps even a third and forth, then why are we so stuck on reminding others of who they were and continue to define their character upon mistakes made in the past? The least we can do is offer optimism to those who are trying to change. Why not make some room, create some space and even release glimpses of faith so that change can occur. We cannot believe that people will never change. In our own unbelief we are creating limits and hesitations, even more obstacles to overcome.
Fortunately, God sees who we really are. He sees our hearts which are beyond the branded marks that have been etched upon us. It may be hard to change when the borders around us seem so unforgiving but we cannot let that be our excuse. Overcome your branding marks and stop burning them onto those around you.
"Once you are branded as 'the best' you want to stay up there, and you can't do it by loafing around. If I don't keep changing, I'm history."
- Larry Bird
posted by Karyn at 3:41 PM
3 Comments:
Hey miss. Good blog. We need to have a little more grace for one another. Alot more actually. "The Book" tells us that the world will know us by our love for one another. Unfortunately, to quote Bill Hybels, we Christians are known more for what we are against than what we are for. Sad.
Ciao Miss.
Hey Karyn
Very awesome blog. Makes you think a lot. Challanges me to think and act differently sometimes... i don't always make the right decisions.. i have noticed that a lot latly, but i'm trying to fix it.
thanks for the wisdom :)
ashley
Well said... I'm not the punk camper who lights fires anymore (but maybe i would be if i didn't have to grow up lol)... I'm jk..Good post Karyn, I'm thankful God's in the changing people business.. Have you ever seen the movie 16 blocks?? It kinda hammers this message home.. Your purse story was also WILD! I'm glad you are OK and must say brave move on your behalf.. hope things are going well for you, thanks for the word, God Bless!
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