Most every day I drive by a small gas efficient car parked on the side of the road with a label on the way home from work. It's not "Honk if you love Jesus" or "My other car is a bus". The label is big, bold and across the entire back window. I can imagine if I gave you 100 guesses you wouldn't get it unless you've seen it.
Dirtbag. Yes, that's it. Dirtbag. Lovely, right? Each time I think to myself who would put this label on their car. Who would want others to see their car and read dirtbag? Not me. I can't think of anyone who would.
Well, God uses even small cars with odd labels to get my attention. Even if I had to drive by it 100 times for it to sink in. He knows I am not His brightest child. Thank goodness He's so patient.
How many times do I put a label directly across my forehead that only I can see---but think others see? Labels that say things like 'quitter' or 'fatty'. Or maybe put labels on the inside, on my heart, that no one else can see--but impact the way I live my life. Labels that become part of me without me even knowing. Labels like 'people pleaser' or worse yet 'gossiper'.
Maybe I am alone in this, but I don't think so. I hope not, it's too lonely. I believe we all put labels on ourselves like this car down the street. Maybe the labels are what we want people to see. Words like 'all put together', 'happy' or 'fulfilled'.
What would happen if we took off all the labels? The ones we are putting on for all to see or the labels we have that we see every time we look in the mirror, or feel deep in our hearts. What if we could take off the labels that create painful meaning into our hearts.
When I was a teenager the labels everyone wore were GAP, Guess and Esprit. These labels were the epitome of 8th grade. I didn't have very many items with these labels but what I had was treasured. I learned that I wore the certain labeled clothing for specific events and even had a bag that said GAP. Those labeled items were special to me, and made me feel different when I had them on or near me.
God puts labels on us. So many labels. Loved, redeemed, precious, important, and wanted are just a few of the labels He bestows on us. He wants these labels to be seen on us, treasured by us and lived through us. When I think about the labels I have placed on myself they are the opposite of what God thinks of me. Why is that? Why do I believe the labels that make me feel inadequate and small, but not the ones that build my character, purpose and even future?
Dirtbag. It's a yucky, horrible and disgusting word picture. But on the other hand, it's incredibly raw, real and introspective. God already sees the dirtbag in each of us. He loves us. He wants the you and me that comes to Him with the reckless abandon to find our true destiny.
So, let's rip off the labels that we have worn around, maybe since as long ago as the 1990s. Maybe longer.
One. Two. Three. RIP! Rip those labels off with me. RIP! Rest in peace. Yeah, that sounds good to me. I will choose to rest in peace because of the worth I know Jesus sees in me even when I don't see it. Even when others don't see it. Even when I give reasons why no one should see it. I refuse to be adorned by labels of self loathing, inadequacy, and judgment.
Are you ready to rest in peace? His peace that passes all understanding. Who knows what label God will put on you next as you rest in His love--maybe it will be missionary, or speaker of truth, or could be it be woman of faith?
I'm excited to see the new labels. I'm sick of the old, tired and worn out labels. These labels are ones I have been holding on to that much like my 1990s GAP bag that had holes it, looked worn out and needed to be let go a long time ago.
I will read the labels God has for me. He's outlined that in His word. He's so faithful to leave us this resource that often times is left to gather dust or stay hidden away in our smart phones.
I will use the labels God puts on me for His kingdom. Whatever the label is, I will use it for Jesus.
I will do my best to be label that is dependable. I plan to wear the label of Christian proudly.
And most of all I will try to be the label, disciple.
Thank you God for reaching out to me, even with a label like dirtbag that was once on my heart.
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