Thought for Wednesday, July 18th

July 18, 2012

Validation

What does it mean to be validated as a person?  According to the dictionary it is the act of being proven to be legitimately real and actual in accordance with the parameters set forth describing and legitimizing a person place or thing as being in essence the real deal.

As Christians from what source or where should we be seeking our validation?

The answer is obvious, is it not?  I mean after all, who else could validate us as Christians other than God or Jesus or the Holy Spirit: since they are one in the same.

The question then becomes what parameters are used to define what it is, by God’s standard, tangible and discernible in determining the genuineness and validity of our standing as a Christian?

Again, the answer is rather simple – nothing but the blood of Jesus can enable us to become a Christian.

So then is the washing away of our sins, by the redemptive process of purification when we accept Christ as our personal Lord and Savior all it takes to make us a  bona-fide, genuine article validated Christian?

From a very basic and simplistic perspective – the answer would seem to be yes.

However, I contend there is more to being a Christian than the act of becoming a Christian.  Genuine validation comes from a life lived and service given that is honorable, pure, from a heart of love and given with purity, sincerity and devotion to the object of our affection and to the one from whom we should all long for and desire to receive validation from.

“The uninitiated have real questions and valid concerns over how the things of God appear to them.”

-       Jerry B. Jenkins

    And having chosen them, he called them to come to him. And he gave them right standing with himself, and he promised them his glory.

Romans  8:30

Isn’t being filled with God’s power, and having life in Him and liberty to live and live more abundantly the only real, true and pure way to achieve the only validation that we really need?

Today’s Prayer

Father, you are the only valid person from who I will ever need to seek validation.  Help me to live worthy of the validation you give.

“When the music fades
All is stripped away
And I simply come
Longing just to bring
Something that's of worth
That will bless Your heart
I'll bring You more than a song
For a song in itself
Is not what You have required
You search much deeper within
Through the way things appear
You're looking into my heart
I'm coming back to the heart of worship
And it's all about You,
It's all about You, Jesus
I'm sorry, Lord, for the thing I've made it
When it's all about You,
It's all about You, Jesus “

-  Lyrics from ‘Heart of Worship’ by Matt Redman