Identity in Christ

A quick glance through the headlines reveals a disturbing number of sexually themed stories.  Web “news” outlets are quick to report on who Justin Bieber was intimate with, how sexually charged Lady Gaga’s stage performance was, etc. Yet it’s not just confined to the celebrity world.  We see school officials arrested on child pornography charges, church leaders caught in scandal and politicians accused of adultery.

The human race has fallen very deeply into the trap and lies of the enemy.  Believing that our sexuality defines us, we buy clothing, makeup and fragrances that promise to improve our sex appeal.  We watch romantic comedies and laugh off the infidelity, or worse yet, long to have such an “exciting” life. We easily grow dissatisfied with our spouse and ache from the monotony of life.    

Trouble comes quickly when we don’t recognize who we are in Christ.  When our job, financial status or sexuality become our labels, we overwrite the truth about who/what God says we are.  While your business card may read Vice President, CEO or Accountant, none of those titles explain who you are.  On the eternal time line, no one will care if you made $100,000 annually.  You certainly wouldn’t introduce yourself to a stranger saying “Hi, I’ve had 3 sexual partners this week.”

Unfortunately, not only do we forget who we are, we also forget Who we should be counting on to meet our needs.  When we look to find fulfillment from our jobs, spouses, children or friends, we burden others with needs that God Himself wants to meet.  The pressure of trying to meet the spiritual needs of your loved one places an incredible stress on the relationship.  No wonder our society is such a mess.

Spend time in God’s Word and begin to explore who He says you are.  Examine the promises that He’s made to meet your needs.  Let these truths begin to reshape your thinking.  If you allowed God to compose and print your business cards, what would they say?  A thought or two for you to ponder.

 

Birga Alden

Daughter of the Most High King

“Redeemed, Forgiven, Made Holy and Cherished”

 

 

When going to work costs you

I've always wanted to be in the movies.  It's a "secret" ambition of mine.  The fantastical, magical process of having the "raw" turned into a story of grand proportion has always fascinated me. 

When it came time to declare a major in college, for a brief moment, I considered Acting.  Being the very logical person that I am, I quickly dissuaded myself, speculating how many acting majors now work at Burger King.  Broadcast, I figured, would be the next best (sensible) choice.  I then set out to become a news anchor. 

Now, 14+ years after having graduated from college, I'm proud to say that I do work in the Broadcast industry.  However, In His infinite wisdom, God didn't allow me to make it to the TV anchor's desk.  Looking back, I can clearly see that had I been given my way, I would have fallen deeply into the trap of chasing fame and fortune.

My professional journey started humbly, and has stayed humble.  I was hired on as Morning Show co-host for AM730 KDAZ, a Christian Talk Station early in 2007.  The audience is not large, the signal is not particularly strong, and the job brings me no popularity.  Now, nearly 7 years later, I'm still at AM730 and consider it my second home.  I love my work "family" and count it an honor to serve among them.

Though I never made it to the "big time", God has taught me so much in these years.  It's not easy working for a Christian station/ministry.  Pay is scarce, and it requires a lot of personal sacrifice.  This isn't wining, just the truth of the matter. 

It would be a lie to say that I've always been satisfied with my position.  I've struggled, prayed, complained and looked at the grass on the other side. It is through these times of struggle that the Lord has confirmed in my heart that I'm right where I need to be. 

These last three weeks I've been involved in a number of work project.  Developing a theme and corresponding documents for our annual banquet have taken much of my time.  "At All Cost" will be the focus of our 30th Anniversary celebration in January.  Based on Matthew 13:45-46, the message is coming out loud and clear: we are entering a time where it may cost us greatly to stand on God's Word and remain faithful to His call.  Are we willing "at all cost" to lay down our comfort to live out what we believe?  I have no doubt that we will all be tested on this in the days to come. 

These sounds like dark and sinister words, but God is always good and always faithful! While the cost to follow Him may be high, His reward(s) are always worth it.  Remember, though the merchant sold all that he had, he did so because he saw the value of that pearl.  It was a calculated move, and one that paid him great dividends. 

"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls.  When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it."