In our everyday life, we are constantly evaluated by how we look, what we have or do not have and our achievements. Moreover, we are our own worst critics. We compare, we analyze ourselves, and we pursue perfection. At least I can do that. Can I get an Amen?
This past Saturday we listened to author Heather Holleman speak at the Renew Women’s Conference. As you know, we are big fans of Heather’s here at The Sublime Soiree. Heather is a speaker, writer, college instructor at Penn State in the English department and she has written seven books. You can go back and see our interviews with her about her books Guarded by Christ (HERE) and Sent (HERE).
In another of her books, Seated with Christ, Heather unpacks the idea of the title as a new way of living. I don’t know about you, but I am tired of striving, comparing, and fighting for my seat.
In God’s word, we see and know that God loves us, and we have a place at His table. But for Heather, this verb “Seated” jumped off the page. Ephesians 2:6 says “God raised us up with Christ and seated us with Him in the Heavenly realms in Christ Jesus.” Close your eyes and think about that. But that raises the question, if we really believed that wouldn’t we live differently? In Heather’s book she shows us how, and at the Renew conference she presented these Three Core Principles of a Seated Life.
Seated people Adore
Take a look at Psalms 34:5. Instead of obsessing over their appearance, this passage tells us, “Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame”
So here is my question: how might this verse change how I feel about my appearance? To be real, I am tired of all the insecurity and tired of myself. I searched the scriptures and when David felt the most insecure, he fixed his eyes on something other than himself. He claimed Psalms 27:4 — “The one thing I ask of the Lord, the only thing I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek Him in His temple.” David gazed on the beauty of the Lord and took his eyes off himself.
In today’s culture, either we’re obsessing over how we look or we’re exalting ourselves because of society’s definition of beauty. But Heather reminds us that when we live seated, we gaze at Jesus and embrace our unique appearance.
I see myself differently
I see you differently
I look at you and I see an exquisite creation. I see a radiant person and I am enthralled. Because I know that you and I are created in the image of God Himself.
But seated people don’t just adore. They also Access. Come back tomorrow as we explore the blessing of assured provision that God’s people can enjoy.
Sue M. Lindsey © September 2021