Kristen Chenowith is a popular star on Broadway. She is petite, athletic, blonde and looks smashing in any outfit. I happened to watch her conduct a Master Class for budding performers. They all had talent. But hardly any of them had presence. Kristen spotted this lack instantly and counseled them how to stand up, project, look confident, and be comfortable with who they are. Why? Because not only did their timid stance detract from their talent, it disguised their true identity.
There is something to be learned here. How we behave can intentionally muffle who we really are. I’ve been around for a long time and have heard lots of advice about how to represent the Lord. Be thoughtful. Be quiet. Behave. Cook the meals and tidy up. Well, that seemed so limiting because I had already read The Book.
The Lord insists on looking at me as a warrior, as a champion, as a spokesman. That did not fit into the Christian culture of the early 70s when I was born again. Women then were to be quiet, tend to the children and prepare potluck dinners. Yes, indeed. Even though there was a whole world in pain.
Customs seem so often to be at odds with the Bible. Speak up or be quiet. Be open about my faith or avoid all controversial subjects (like religion and politics). When I watched Kristen, it seemed that how we see ourselves is how we project ourselves. She was wanting the students to make their outside appearance/demeanor match their inside. Otherwise the student would be a walking contradiction. When I was thinking about writing a short essay, I heard the Spirit saying something to me and I’d like to share it with you. But to really understand what He was saying, read the next paragraph OUT LOUD. This relates to how we see ourselves.
THE same Spirit that raised Christ Jesus from the dead dwells in me. The SAME Spirit that raised Christ Jesus from the dead dwells in me. The same SPIRIT that raised Christ Jesus from the dead dwells in me. The same Spirit THAT RAISED Christ Jesus from the dead dwells in me. The same Spirit that raised CHRIST Jesus from the dead dwells in me. The same Spirit that raised Christ JESUS from the dead dwells in me. The same Spirit that raised Christ Jesus FROM the dead dwells in me. The same Spirit that raised Christ Jesus from THE DEAD dwells in me. The same Spirit that raised Christ Jesus from the dead DWELLS in me. The same Spirit that raised Christ Jesus from the dead dwells IN me. The same Spirit that raised Christ Jesus from the dead dwells in ME.
How is this verse playing out in my life? I am in God’s family because of the awesome work performed by Jesus on my behalf. I am loved, whether I “feel” it or not. I am blessed, no matter what. I carry the Holy Spirit in me. I am who God says I am. (You may think differently but you would be wrong.)
What does this look like in my life? I am walking with more confidence. I pray with authority because I know the Word. When the opportunity presents itself, I lay hands on the sick knowing that the same Spirit that raised Christ Jesus from the dead dwells in me and His power will flow through me.
Yes, I’ve used the word “I” a bunch of times which is a social faux pas for those who are humbly following the Lord. However, I believe I am humbly following Him when I agree with Him. So, watch out, world. I’m going to pray for that person who is hurting and lay hands on the sick and expecting Jesus to heal, just as He promised to do. There is so much self-help available -- think this way, act that way. But the truth of the matter is that real character revelation has to come from within. All those actions such as holding your head up high are important only because it signals to people who you are. The most important thing for me to do is to actively agree with the Lord as to what He says about me. That requires grit.
Pat Zellmer has been a follower of Jesus Christ since 1974 and loves to encourage people to trust God, which comes naturally to her. Her professional background includes journalism, advertising, and public relations. In 1964 she married Bill, earning her the nickname, “Mrs Z”. Together, they raised two wonderful children who married terrific spouses, five grandchildren, and two great grandchildren.
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