Friday Fight 136: Accepting our Assignments?
Every Friday, when I wake and pray, God places something on my heart to help me fight darkness beginning in our minds. Today is FF136.
What comes to mind when hearing the word assignment? Perhaps it takes us back to our high school days, discussion posts for college, or something our pastor, doctor, or even employer asked of us. In each case, the word 'assignment' refers to something requested of us in exchange for a personal benefit. Let's look at different perspectives on the word 'assignment' and how its multiple meanings can impact our spiritual lives.
Accepting our Assignments?
We all have various perspectives on the word assignment and its application. Most fourth graders are eager to complete assignments that include an illustration using markers but are less enthusiastic when asked to use the correct verb tense when speaking. In all areas of our lives, we teach or are taught specific things that we later replicate.
The Trinity, which includes the Holy Spirit of Truth and Guidance, is the most remarkable example. God places things on our hearts, and the Holy Spirit confirms and directs us as we learn and grow. God uses what He places on our hearts to glorify His kingdom. Ephesians 2:10 Paul states, "For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." We were designed by God for His purposes, for what He assigns. We are saved by grace through faith, and in His mercy, we are given unique ways to serve in His plan.
God places beautiful assignments on our hearts, but unfortunately, Satan operates tirelessly to alter or eliminate what God is asking of us, often without us recognizing. It's up to us to know where and from whom these directions are coming. We must remember that what we do and say begins in the mind. For example, speaking in love and grace means we are doing what God asks; we accept His mission. He works with us to instill these loving patterns through us.
Now, let's look at this from another perspective. What if we talk in a way that assigns guilt or inadequacy to another person because we have adopted this practice imposed on us by someone else? Suddenly, we are not being used to glorify His kingdom. We may have been made to feel this way at some point, and now we inflict these hurtful patterns on others. Unfortunately, Satan uses the destructive habits in people to assign things to other people. Our practices may stem from resentful childhood experiences or a hurtful relationship. When we act accordingly in response to these patterns in others, we accept the assignment given to us by darkness through them. We walk away feeling poorly about ourselves and often not sure why.
In our season of being grateful, let's pray against those negative things we feel about ourselves and continually strive to see ourselves how God sees us. The less pain we harbor with condemnation towards ourselves, the less Satan can use these patterns to hurt us and others.
God's grace works incredibly in our surrender, enabling Christ to work in our patterns, behaviors, and overall mindset. As our hearts continuously transform, our practices become foundational in Him. We continue to demonstrate more and more of Christ's character.
Allow today to be a continued time of thanksgiving for the victory over any pattern darkness attempts to assign. Speak against them in the name of Yahweh. We are God's children, designed to walk together and practice what He teaches us. When we do, we are replicating His love with the intent to participate in being a Christian. Our restored hearts enable us to adopt His loving patterns to influence others.
Photo Credit: Michele LaSala
Pastor Shannon
New Life Calvert