In this “What If?” series, each week on Wednesday we are taking one facet of shame and lifting it off of us. And this week we are focusing on the labels we apply to ourselves or others apply to us.
Sometimes we feel trapped in our labels. We might not even be aware that we are wearing them, but little by little we change and begin to define or limit ourselves by the labels we accept. Here’s a few:
I’m lazy.
I’m not well-liked.
I’m fat.
I’m never going to succeed.
[Tweet “The truth sets us free, it does not condemn us.”]
What have you come to believe about yourself? Sure, there can always be a grain of truth in every lie we believe, but a label does not have to stick just because there is some truth in it. The truth sets us free, it does not condemn us. Revelation opens the door for us to acknowledge what needs to be dealt with and maybe accepting limitations as boundaries, not deficiencies.
[Tweet “A label does not have to stick just because there is some truth in it.”]
What if instead of letting labels discourage us, we let them inform us?
What if we did not limit ourselves, but limited the labels, instead?
What if you could rise above the labels that define and limit you?
We can.
How?
We have a choice and do not have to be held captive by labels.
We don’t have to fear labels.
We can have power over the labels, examine them, then ask God for wisdom.
Turn the label around and make it a proclamation.
Label: I’m shy.
Truth: I’m an introvert. God made me that way for a reason, or circumstances in this life wounded me and caused me to feel inhibited. But God can give me strength to overcome in circumstances when I need to, or to help me to accept who I am.
Label: I’m fat and will never lose the weight.
Truth: There are objective means to determine if we are overweight or not. And while it can be discouraging to recognize that we might be at an unhealthy weight, we get the victory when we admit our need to our Savior. Asking God for wisdom to discover the root need, hurt or sin behind the weight struggle helps us to lay down the label and recognize that whether or not we achieve our weight goals, we are not defined by our appearance.
This week, as yourself what labels you are wearing. Then examine what that label means and pray about how you can look at that label in a redemptive way. God wants to set you free. Don’t wear labels. Learn from them and wear the labels that come with the identity of Christ alone.
Why live with shame when you don’t have to? God has provided a way for us to remove shame and live in victory. Come and release your shame in Jesus’ name. Shame Off You details a biblical method for removing shame and is available at many retailers. Here are a few places you can get Shame Off You. Let me know you bought Shame Off You and receive a free bonus digital download.