On the
way home from our recent fall break getaway, we took a quick visit to the top
of Cavanal Mountain. We walked around and snapped a few pics, enjoying the fresh air
and beautiful view. As we were heading down this famous landmark, I started
wondering: If Cavanal could speak, how it might describe itself? At 1,999
feet in elevation, Cavanal Mountain lays claim to being the “world’s highest hill.” Another foot and it would officially be
considered a mountain, though it would probably be the shortest of the club. So
then, would this Poteau, OK tourist attraction be happy with its current title
or disappointed to be deemed unfit for mountain status? Was it striving for
more, only to find such heights unattainable? Or was Cavanal simply hoping to
be the hill in which all other hills would forever look up to?
Far
more importantly, how do you view yourself? Are you content with who you are?
Did not the same God who constructed the crown jewel of LeFlore County form you
as well? Isn’t His divine autograph on you? Are you not fearfully and wonderfully
made in His image? Friend, I often direct the same line of questioning to
myself. And though I know the answer in my head, my heart is so timid to
believe, for my eyes are constantly surveying my surroundings to see how I compare.
“How do I stack-up with others?” No
matter how well we fight, this issue is a trial for us all.
Our
children are desperately trying to figure out their place in life. Daily they
go to school, wanting nothing more than to fit in and be accepted. It’s not
that this is wrong or by any means unnatural, but it is an insufficient measure
of one’s value. But again, this is a struggle for us all. Does one’s fame or size
of flock speak to his ability to shepherd? If you think pastors are not prone
to identity issues, then you are mistaken. We are. There is always an appeal
from the flesh to try to be something we’re not; there is pressure to want to
be a “mountain” when God has ordained
us to be a faithful “hill." Do you
feel the temptation to keep up with your neighbors? Are our families not enticed to be more or do more in hopes of being seen in a certain desired light? The list
goes on and on, as each of us is subtly challenged in different ways. Whether
it is our looks, our societal standing, or the ways our peers perceive our
success, we often ask for approval and identity affirmation from those unqualified
to answer.
This is not a matter of being a big fish in a
small pond or just another fish in an enormously competitive ocean. Rather,
this is about being content in the One who has designed us. Is God sovereign?
Is He not good? Is the Creator of the universe our Savior and Lord? Is that not
proof of our worth? Does the cross not emphatically exclaim of our dear
Redeemer’s love and value for His people? Child of God, through Jesus’ death
and resurrection, you have received all things pertaining to life and
godliness. And if the Spirit bears witness that we are indeed his children, are
we not also heirs with Christ?
I write today because I know my soul desperately
needs to rest in this truth. I share because I’m burdened for the students who struggle
in this regard. It hurts to weekly watch them toil so hard for what the Master freely
gives. Additionally, my wife and I have seen this conflict manifest itself in
our three kiddos at home. Even as young pre-adolescents, they just want to be
liked. They want to be enough. This desire can influence their attitudes,
behaviors, and their overall sense of self-worth. Oh, that we might see the
gospel’s remedy. The Father adopts us as we are; He pulls us up from the muck
and mire; though humble, lowly and so undeserving, the Father calls us His own.
We could never be enough, but that is precisely why the Christ-child was sent. And
because His atoning work on the cross is enough, no longer must we vainly labor
just trying to be. We have found unmerited favor – grace so amazing, so worthy
of praise. Believer, our identity is in Him and Him alone. Isn’t that enough?
Dear Lord, remind our feeble souls that it is.
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| Matt Fowler - NBC Family Pastor of High School |
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