A Swagger Like Us
The urban culture is pushing the element of “swagger” in music and in fashion because it is attractive from their understanding. However, I believe that the arrogance that comes from swagger could be just as unattractive. I think the more accurate word in regards to attraction is “confidence.” As a follower of Christ, confidence is an important factor in leading other people to Christ.
KEY PTS. OF CONFIDENCE:
- Confidence is contagious. So is lack of confidence.
- Confidence awakens confidence.
- Even if you know what to do; confidence allows you to do it.
Let’s Read…
John 1:20-28 (The Message)
19-20When Jews from Jerusalem sent a group of priests and officials to ask John who he was, he was completely honest. He didn’t evade the question. He told the plain truth: “I am not the Messiah.”
21They pressed him, “Who, then? Elijah?”
“I am not.”
“The Prophet?”
“No.”
22Exasperated, they said, “Who, then? We need an answer for those who sent us. Tell us something—anything!—about yourself.”
23″I’m thunder in the desert: ‘Make the road straight for God!’ I’m doing what the prophet Isaiah preached.”
24-25Those sent to question him were from the Pharisee party. Now they had a question of their own: “If you’re neither the Messiah, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet, why do you baptize?”
26-27John answered, “I only baptize using water. A person you don’t recognize has taken his stand in your midst. He comes after me, but he is not in second place to me. I’m not even worthy to hold his coat for him.”
28These conversations took place in Bethany on the other side of the Jordan, where John was baptizing at the time.
After reading this and following John the Baptist’s life, I’m beginning to realize that when it comes to developing your God-shaped confidence, it’s more about finding the ultimate purpose of making Jesus famous and making the path clear for people to know Him. It’s not who you are or are not. John was passionate about what he was “not” in order to maintain who Jesus is! I use to preach/teach that confidence comes from knowing who you are, but that could be confusing to some who haven’t found their calling and have not found a stable sense of who they are yet. However, one thing I know is this- we all have a command to love God and lead people to Jesus! You don’t need a call right now, when you already have a command.
Be confident in the command we have in Jesus- You are not the messiah, you might not be a prophet, but as long as your pedestals are reserved for Jesus, you are more than alright.
Mark 12:28-29
28 Then one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, perceiving that He had answered them well, asked Him, “Which is the first commandment of all?”
29 Jesus answered him, “The first of all the commandments is: ‘Hear, O Israel, the LORD our God, the LORD is one.
Good stuff! “I am thunder in the desert” Wow, what a statement! “it’s not who you are or are not” That is a key statement to keep us from going in circles in life! . . . “As long as your pedestals are reserved for Jesus” Hmmmm. . . great words to live by!
I heard a new song on K Love the other day and the singer made reference to “population me” and it really hit me. Then last night someone was talking about feeding the homeless in Camden and all of these men & women’s basic needs and I realized I often get caught up in population me. In reading the above blog I am encouraged again to keep the main the thing the main thing and that is to love people and lead people to God. If I keep that primary, my confidence will remain strong in Him.