It astounds me to reflect on our policies for in-home counseling in past decades (let’s not get too exact on just how long ago). We showed up on client’s doorsteps without a badge, expecting them to let us inside and share all personal information. How could they verify what agency we represented?
Today, even salesmen carry identification. And we still don’t allow them past the doorstep. As times darken, skepticism intensifies. We examine those who reach out to us, insisting they prove their claims of identity.
The distrust turns inward with the same intensity. We doubt ourselves to the same degree we doubt others.
Why should I believe in myself? Where did I lose my spiritual identity badge?
Oh, the old ID card remains in my wallet and reflects my worst hair day. But, I seem to leave the new one at home all too often. Tucked in the pages of my Bible, I reflect on it during study and devotions. So lovely and inspiring, my new badge reminds me who I am and to Whom I belong. A new image surpassing visual beauty shimmers from its surface–recreated to represent the indwelling presence of LOVE Himself. The address reflects my residence in Christ. I relocated from past failures, sin, and fears. It looks, smells, and feels preferable to the one in my wallet. Yet, I nestle it back into the New Testament and close it inside. The new identity fails to replace the one I carry around with me.
I forget its image in less than an hour, resuming the belief in my old ID. I long to reach out with God’s love, but feel inadequate to accomplish worthy goals as just-plain-old-me. Even if I tried to share blessings, venturing into those personal doorstep types of interactions, others would be suspicious. How would anyone recognize Who I represent?
I must get into the habit of carrying my new ID. Maybe I’ll slip a note into my purse to remind me, “PERFECT LOVE DWELLS IN ME AND I IN HIM.” I’ll need to live out that phrase to keep it alive in my mind, heart, and soul.
So, what’s in your wallet?