Defying the Cultural Norm of What is Worthy

There I was, enveloped by the dark, harping on the incredible achievements I could reach. If only I could display that I wrote for . . . then perhaps people would find my writing of substantial worth.

If you’re a human being, there’s a 90% chance that you’ve developed a similar mindset before. This especially goes for the bloggers and authors out there.

It’s a pressure that pushes itself to the forefront of our minds because it is preached among us. If you want to be somebody on the internet, you have to be sponsored by a well-known service. You have to write for a popular website for your message to be taken to heart.

While that’s certainly not always the case, it does reflect how many people think. Does that mean we should lower our worth based on these facts alone? The answer is simple, no. Yet, we do it without thinking twice.

We welcome the cage with open arms and decide that it’s not safe to come out until we get accepted by someone else’s standards.

Listen, I don’t discriminate against the concept of becoming somebody on the internet. It’s needed! Last week, my work was published on The Rebelution, and I couldn’t be more thrilled. How else are we to spread Christ’s Word?

The goal isn’t to draw attention to ourselves, but to draw attention to Christ.

However, I see too many people becoming trapped by the Cage of Plastered Achievements. Although I have won the battle before, that doesn’t mean it stays that way. It is a battle that never ends.

If you’re not careful, it can sneak back into your life without you noticing. It’s done it to me several times!

What is the Cage of Plastered Achievements?

The Cage of Plastered Achievements is when you strive for more medals than more lives pointed toward Jesus. You feel the need to be published on a big website, and if you don’t get this opportunity soon, then all of your writing will go down the drain. You need to be able to say you wrote for them, right?

That’s simply not true.

Why wait for that moment of acceptance when we’ve already been accepted by the King of the world? He put that fire in us for a reason, so why do we wait for someone else to tell us when we can use it to its full extent?

This fire isn’t ours to control or for the world to control. It is fully reserved for Christ who lives in us. He will tell us when it is time to use it. He will guide us on how to use it.

We are not to suffocate the flames when God commands them to rise.

How to Use Your Voice (or Keyboard) to Glorify the Lord

We are called to glorify the Lord in all that we do. Whether we’re eating, resting, talking, or experiencing tribulation. We are to always behave like a Christian.

And no, not that bad Christian who just popped in your mind upon hearing the word “Christian”. I’m talking about behaving like a true Christ-follower.

A Christ-follower loves affectionately—selflessly—without hypocrisy. They cling to what is good, overcoming evil with the good. They don’t go out seeking vengeance upon the people who hurt them, but instead, they lend a helping hand to them. When these people talk down to them, they bless them. They don’t curse them; not even under their breath.

They don’t set themselves on a throne or stick their noses in the air, but they are humble people. If it’s possible, they live peaceably with others.

This does not mean that they try to fit in with the ways of the world, though.

Christians are to imitate the Way of the Lord, not the way of the world. If you search the internet for Bible verses about imitating Christ, you will be in over your head with verses. That’s how crucial it is.

Being a Christian brings along division, but if you allow God to guide your life and the words you speak over people, there is a light.

The Lord is that light.

And He grants you the gift of sharing that light with others. Just slow down and listen.

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Conclusion

My challenge for you today is to read Romans 12:9-21 in the New Kings James Version. This is the passage that you should sculpt your voice around. It’s the one that will truly tell you whether your work is worthy of recognition.

Secondly, if you have time to spare, I highly encourage you to read it in The Message version. This version will help you dig deeper into the scripture’s meaning, giving you a traditional feel for it. It will help you implement it into your daily life. (If you cannot do it now, try setting a time aside to read it later on.)

After this, read Matthew 10:34-38. It’s brief yet effective in showing you a prime example of the division that Christianity brings. I reassure you that even though the passage possesses the vibes of walking into a war zone, it merely reflects the importance of sharing the Gospel where you can.

It also reflects the importance of following the Lord with all of your heart.

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