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Secure in the Lord Because of Who He Is

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Sometimes as believers we let fears and insecurities hold us back in our walk with the Lord. That’s usually a sign we’re resting on our own abilities rather than on the Lord. When we understand the basis for security then we’ll know what it takes to be secure in the Lord.

Basis for Being Secure in the Lord

Secure in the Lord Because He Remains FaithfulWe can be secure because God stays true to who He is. Even when we’re “faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot disown Himself” (2 Tim. 2:13).

Becoming secure in the Lord is a process of learning to rely more and more on the love and grace of God in our lives. Knowing in our heads that God loves us is one thing but relying on that love is another. According to 1 John 4:16 we must do both. — “And so we know and rely on the love God has for us.” Reflect on how God’s grace and love applies to us:

My grace is sufficient for you … (2 Cor. 12:9)

God is love. … There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. (1 Jn. 4:16-18)

We’re secure in Him because God is able to do that which His love and grace compels Him to do on our behalf. Consequently we can go forward with confidence, reminding ourselves that “I can do all this through him who gives me strength” (Phil. 4:13). Now reflect on God’s power and strength that He extends to us:

… my power is made perfect in weakness. (2 Cor. 12:9)

His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. (2 Pet. 1:3)

The Bottom Line For Replacing Insecurities with Confidence

We must move the focus off of ourselves and onto the Lord. It doesn’t matter who we are or how long we’ve been believers. In ourselves, we don’t have what it takes. We all fall short. When it becomes more about who God is and what He does for us, we worry less and less about if “we” have enough faith, if “we” are strong enough, if “we” can live this Christian life, etc. We humbly admit that we can’t but God can because of who He is. We can therefore be confident and secure because we’re resting on Him, not ourselves.

Here are two resources to help expand your view of God:

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Unity or Disunity in the Church?

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We live in a divided society. Even in the Church we let all sorts of issues divide us with strong opinions pitting us against each other. We may follow certain personalities, putting one above the other. Perhaps we engage in certain inconsiderate practices that favor one group of people over another. Our programming can also separate us rather than bring us together. Brothers and sisters this ought not to be. Read through Ephesians 2 and discover God’s intent for unity, not disunity in the Church.

When God established the Church, He broke down walls, making unity possible. Why do we rebuild those walls?

Remember that we all are on the same plane and with the same ultimate purpose:

We all came from the same place pre-Christ.

All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. (Eph. 2:1-3)

We all came into Christ by grace. None of us deserved our salvation.

But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions – it is by grace you have been saved. (Eph. 2:4-9)

Having all been saved by grace, not of ourselves, we now live for Him, not to advance our own cause.

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (Eph. 2:10)

His Peace Brings Unity Not Disunity
On this foundation, God built His Church. bringing together two very different groups of people, the Jews and the Gentiles, who were hostile toward each other. He “made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility … in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility” (Eph. 2:11-16).

Being on the same plane leaves no room for superiority of one over the other. We are equal in Him, each receiving the same message of peace made possible because of His grace. “He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.” (Eph. 2:17-18)

Walls stay down when Jesus remains the centerpiece, keeping disunity at bay. Why do we make it about ourselves?

We all have the same access (Eph. 2:18) to the throne of grace where we “may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need” (Heb. 4:16). “Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household” (Eph. 2:19). — When we rebuild those walls, it’s like we’re disregarding the fact that we’re God’s people. As God’s people, we align with Him. It’s not about our preferences or politics.

Here’s the key: The Church is “built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord.” (Eph. 2:20-21). — When we let our differences, and any other cause, divide us, it’s like we’re saying that Jesus isn’t enough to hold us together.

We don’t have to rely on ourselves to stay united. Why don’t we depend on God’s power source?

When we keep the focus on how it’s “in him the whole building is joined together”, we rise above and “become a holy temple in the Lord” (Eph. 2:21). The good news is that God doesn’t expect us to muster up the will power and self-effort to stay united. Rather, “in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit” (Eph. 2:22). When we walk by the Spirit, we will “serve one another humbly in love” rather than “gratify the desires of the flesh” (Gal. 5:13-16).

When we make it about ourselves, we stifle and quench the Spirit who lives within us. Then we wonder why the Church at times looks no different than the world around us. Let’s be the Church God established us to be, built on the foundation of Jesus Christ with Him as the Chief Cornerstone, the Head of the Body.

Church leaders, do your part to steer the Body toward God’s power, the only means of staying united. Check out the Steering the Church Toward God’s Power Leadership Guide.

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Spiritual-Sounding Excuses to Bypass the Planning Process

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Previously we considered excuses we might give to bypass the planning process centered on practical-sounding reasoning. Perhaps when pointed out to us, we’ll acknowledge that kind of thinking doesn’t align with God’s ways. When, however, our excuses for not planning sound spiritually motivated, we may need more convincing that our thinking is misguided.

Misguided Reasoning for Bypassing the Planning Process Though It Sounds Spiritual

Misguided reasoning often is based on half-truths. What we say could be true, making us feel our excuses are legitimate. As in anything we do, we must consider the whole counsel of God.

Excuse #1: It doesn’t matter how we do something as long as we love God. If we just focus on love, everything will take care of itself.

Planning is prudentLove for God is indeed the greatest commandment. That command, however, comes with qualifications. We’re to love Him “with ALL your heart and with ALL your soul and with ALL your mind” (Matt. 22:37). Notice that we’re to love Him with all of our mind. God expects us to use our minds, not to merely coast through life, or to barrel through it. — “The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways, but the folly of fools is deception.” (Prov. 14:8)

Excuse #2: We shouldn’t look for trouble. We should merely trust God and keep moving forward.

Even Jesus said “each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matt. 6:34). Just prior, however, Jesus said, “seek first his kingdom and his righteousness” (Matt. 6:33). Seeking is a striving after, not just laying back and waiting for something to happen. It’s about trusting God to provide for us as we seek after His will, not worrying. Jesus also spoke of counting the cost and sitting down to consider what to do before moving forward (Lk. 14:28-32). We plan to prevent problems, to avoid trouble. — “A prudent man sees danger and takes refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it.” (Prov. 22:3)

Excuse #3: We have little control over what’s going to happen so planning is futile. We should get out of the way and let God have control.

Scripture does indicate that “in their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps” (Prov. 16:9). Yet, God encourages us to exercise wisdom and understanding in what we do. We’re told to “Be very careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil” (Eph. 5:15-16). This suggests we take time to stop and think through what we do, to discern that which is the best course of action. — “By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures. (Prov. 24:3-4)

This doesn’t eliminate trust in God to have the final say. Rather, we look to God for His wisdom throughout the entire planning process. — “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil.” (Prov. 3:5-7)

For more about aligning with God in the planning process, go to: Strategic Planning

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Practical-Sounding Excuses to Bypass the Planning Process

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Planning is prudent
Despite God’s Word telling us that “the wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways” (Prov. 14:8), some may still bypass the planning process citing the need for expediency. They justify themselves with practical-sounding excuses.

The Excuses Given for Bypassing the Planning Process

The remainder of Proverbs 14:8 links folly and deception to a lack of planning. — “The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways, but the folly of fools is deception.” — We must therefore consider that though our reasons seem practical, they may in the long run hinder rather than advance God’s work in our midst. “There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death (destruction).” (Prov. 14:12)

Excuse #1: Time is short. We can’t waste time in planning.

To the contrary, shortness of time gives us even more reason for planning. Planning helps us keep on track with God’s desires. If we rush ahead without carefully considering what needs to be done, we might do a lot but possibly not what we should be doing. — “It is not good to have zeal without knowledge, nor to be hasty and miss the way.” (Prov. 19:2)

Excuse #2: The end result is what matters, not how we get there.

Perhaps the end result is all that matters to us, but process also matters to God. When we bypass planning, we skip a process God uses to get others involved. — “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” (Prov. 15:22) — Though it sometimes may take longer seeking input from others, and the result may not always be what we think, we must remember God’s design for the Body to operate interdependently. We work together to accomplish God’s purposes, even in the planning stages, because the process matters to God.

Bible Verses Pointing to How It’s More Practical to Plan

God wants us to make “the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil” (Eph. 5:16). This is preceded by being “very careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise” (Eph. 5:15). It’s followed with “Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is” (Eph. 5:17). To make the most of every opportunity therefore requires discernment, wisdom, and perspective, which we gain by giving thought to our ways (Prov. 14:8). For more, read the following posts:

God also wants us to “consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds” (Heb. 10:24). One of the best ways to spur people on to get involved is to include them in the planning process. If we bypass planning and merely expect people to go along with our “off-the-cuff” endeavors, we do little to motivate them.

Also read: Leadership Skill: Strategic Planning

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Trying to Make a Good Impression for People’s Good?

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Motivation Making Good Impressions for People's Good - 1 Corinthians 10:31-33
Our motivation matters when it comes to making good impressions on others. Based on 1 Corinthians 10:31-33, whatever we do should first and foremost be to the glory of God. When we care about the glory of God, we will also care about the good of people. Remember the greatest commandments, first of which is to love God. The second is to love people. Love for God spills over into love for people and would make us want to seek their good for the glory of God.

Seeking to Impress for the Right Reasons

When we’re trying to make a good impression on people to reflect God and His glory, it becomes about helping them come to know God better. For that to happen we must guard against two things.

1) not causing anyone to stumble (1 Cor. 10:32)

Sometimes we may have good intentions but what we’re doing isn’t always for people’s good. We may be sending out mixed messages, confusing people by what we’re doing to impress them. People may not actually see the Lord but rather just the non-essentials. We may end up watering down truth to make it more appealing, yet truth is what sets people free. It’s possible we’re robbing people of God’s best by focusing on making them happy when He wants to make them holy.

2) not seeking my own good (1 Cor. 10:33)

We may say what we’re doing is for people’s good, to draw them in and lead them to the Lord. Sometimes, however, if we’re honest, we may have to admit that it becomes about us. We boast about our programs, about numbers, and all that makes us look like a growing church. Can we honestly say, like the Apostle Paul said, “I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved.” (1 Cor. 10:33)

Discerning if Motivation for Making a Good Impression is Truly for People’s Good

We need God to search our hearts (Ps. 139:23-24) to honestly answer these questions.

  • Are we seeking to make a good impression on others to help them or to help ourselves?

If we’re hoping to personally gain from it, our motivation isn’t pure.

  • Do we want to make ourselves feel good or lead others to the One who is good?

When it becomes about feeling like we’re making a difference, the focus has turned inward rather than upward.

If we try to impress others for self-centered reasons, it becomes people-pleasing that leads to manipulation in order to get the reaction we want from them. When it’s no longer for the purpose of helping others (Rom. 15:2), trying to make a good impression fails to glorify God.

We walk a motivational tightrope. When we start to slip, we need to quickly refocus our steps so we stay securely on doing whatever we do for God’s glory and the good of others.

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Trying to Make a Good Impression for God’s Glory?

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1 Corinthians 10:31-33 on Making Good Impressions for the Glory of God
We previously looked at whether trying to make a good impression is biblical. Using 1 Corinthians 10:31-33, we concluded that it’s biblical if done for God’s glory and people’s good. That speaks to our motivations. Anything we do to the glory of God will also end up being for people’s good. We should therefore make God’s glory the top priority.

The Primary Reason for Seeking to Impress People

We can come up with all sorts of good-sounding reasons for trying to impress people. First and foremost, however, it should be about glorifying God. That removes any motivation related to boasting about our efforts.

Think about it: God doesn’t need us to draw people to Himself. He often displays His grace and power through our weaknesses so there’s no room for boasting. — “Therefore, as it is written: ‘Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.'” (1 Cor. 1:26-31)

Discerning if Motivation for Making a Good Impression is for the Glory of God

We would do well to pray, “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” (Ps. 139:23-24) To help us make sure there aren’t any offensive ways in us, we should ask ourselves questions from different angles.

  • Are we keeping the spotlight on God?

When making a good impression becomes about us, and how we look to others, we’re crossing the line in our motivation. We need to keep putting the focus on God. He’s the one to be lifted up.

  • Are we sure to give God the credit?

If we get upset when people fail to acknowledge what we’ve done, we’re probably trying to impress them for personal applause. We need to be most concerned about God being praised. He’s the one to be honored.

  • Are we careful to stay true to, and align with, God and His Word?

Compromising to draw people in does not glorify God. We need to always do that which aligns to the character and ways of God for Him to be glorified. He’s the one to be reflected.

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