Category: Influence

Going Back Again

Sitting at the year-end assembly, I watched with envy as the principal called older students on stage to receive  awards. Some names became familiar as certain “star” students were called up multiple times. I longed to hear my name announced, but knew as a puny first grader, I wouldn’t be receiving a certificate that day. As I progressed through the years, the awards assembly was often in the back of my mind. So I was quick to participate in anything that would earn me accolades on the last day of school. By sixth grade, I was at the top of the heap and relished being one of the names called up to the stage over and over again.

That pattern of craving recognition through achievement continued to drive me through middle school and high school. I loved to learn and to serve, but also valued the side benefits of seeing my name on the honor roll and my face on multiple pages in the yearbook. Performing well gave me a sense of value and identity that calmed my insecurity and silenced my inner critic for a while (at least until the glory faded or someone else outshined me).

Although I grew up in a Christian home, I hadn’t grasped my identity in Christ or my eternal standing as the beloved daughter of the King of Kings. Instead, I felt a continual compulsion to do more and be more to prove I was worthy of love, admiration, and respect. As long as I could produce something others valued, I knew I’d be accepted.

This perspective began to change during a season away from my usual influences. A stint serving at a Christian camp surrounded by people who loved Jesus opened my eyes to a new reality. My fellow camp counselors cared nothing about my past accomplishments but made me feel seen, loved, and accepted as never before. The Lord used this experience to hit the re-set button on my worldview. At the end of the summer I headed off to the university I’d worked so hard to get into with a new mindset focused on bringing glory to Jesus instead of myself. My drive to accomplish and succeed for my own recognition transformed into a passion to use my gifts, skills, and resources to grow my faith in Jesus and to spur on others.

Graduating four years later, my list of worldly accomplishments was much shorter than in high school, but my love for the Lord had grown beyond measure.

With each season of life since then, I’ve had to remind myself not to focus on recognition, accomplishments and titles, but on following Jesus and serving Him wholeheartedly wherever the Spirit leads. Of course, there have been times I’ve been tempted to slide back into my old ways of thinking– to seek the title or do the shiny thing that will get me noticed, but the Holy Spirit always reminds me to re-set my gaze on Jesus.

The tension I feel between these two mindsets rose to the surface as I read Paul’s admonishment to the Galatians: “Before you Gentiles knew God, you were slaves to so-called gods that do not even exist. So now that you know God (or should I say, now that God knows you), why do you want to go back again and become slaves once more to the weak and useless spiritual principles of this world?” (Galatians 4:8-9, NLT)

False teachers had urged the Galatian believers to prove themselves worthy by adopting Jewish religious practices that were no longer relevant. (Specifically, getting circumcised and following all the laws of the old covenant.) The Gentile believers had rejected paganism and accepted Christ, but now the Judaizers were leading them off course. While most of us can’t identify with practicing orthodox Judaism to prove ourselves worthy, it’s likely we all have some aspect of our past that threatens our freedom in Christ. It could come from an old thought pattern like mine, or it could come from another person who is hindering your growth. Perhaps a few moments of prayerful self-reflection would help you consider where you’re tempted to “go back again and become a slave once more to the weak and useless spiritual principles of this world.” Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Guilt: Many of us have come out of faith traditions that include a heavy load of guilt. Do you have a nagging sense that you’re always failing or disappointing God? Do the phrases “I should” or “I feel bad” flow from your mouth on a regular basis? Do you criticize yourself because you’re not doing enough? While the Spirit does convict us of sin and calls us to repentance, He does not burden us with guilt or a nagging sense of failure. As one of my favorite pastors says, “Guilt is not a fruit of the Spirit.” Is guilt keeping you from experiencing true freedom in Christ?

Worldly Mindsets: Our culture shapes how we view circumstances and engage people. Pastor John Mark Comer says we are all being formed by something, it’s just a matter of what. When we put our faith and trust in Jesus, this begins a process of letting Him form us into His image. The tension arises when the way we’re used to functioning clashes with the way of Jesus. When we surrender our lives to Christ, we’re not meant to hold anything back—He wants it all. Everything filters through His perspective: sex, money, career, possessions, etc. Are there worldly ways of thinking and functioning that you struggle to let go?

Self-Sufficiency: We live in an individualistic, self-centered society. Most of us pride ourselves on figuring out how to make things happen and to solve our own problems. And if we can’t find a solution on our own, we always have Google or AI to give us answers. But when we put our faith in Jesus, we have the Holy Spirit to guide and teach us. In fact, it’s when we admit our weakness that we are most able to experience God’s strength. Are you prone to slipping back into a mindset of self-sufficiency instead of trusting the Lord? Seek His strength and wisdom first instead of as a last resort.

Showing Well: Whether it’s our physical appearances, our homes, our children, or our social media feeds, most of us prioritize looking good. While there’s nothing wrong with caring for yourself or wanting beautiful surroundings, a continued focus on the exterior often means neglecting deeper things. The struggle to please and impress others can carry over into how we approach church, Bible study, and ministry too. Are you intentional about tending to your heart and character as much as you are exterior appearances?

We all have old patterns of thinking and behaving that enslave us under “weak and useless principles of this world.” Take a few moments to consider what this looks like in your life. Invite the Lord to search your heart, then confess anything He brings to mind and delight in remembering your freedom in Christ.

If you’re struggling with old and unhealthy thought patterns that are hindering you from experiencing freedom in Christ, I highly recommend Every Thought Captive: Calm the Mental Chaos that Keeps you Stuck, Drains Your Hope and Holds You Back  by Kyle Idleman. 

Inspired by Live Free: A Study of Galatians by Elizabeth Woodson, Lifeway, 2025. Follow along by ordering your copy here.

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Making Space

The small city of Haarlem in the Netherlands holds the honor of being hometown to Corrie Ten Boom, one of my heroes of the faith. Corrie and her family helped many Jewish people to find safe houses and avoid Nazi death camps during World War 2. If you’re not familiar with her incredible story called The Hiding Place, add it to your must-read list.

Touring the cramped rooms of the Ten Boom’s home, I learned the family hired an architect to design a false wall with a secret door. This is where Jewish houseguests would rush into hiding when authorities came to the house. The wall made Corrie’s already tiny bedroom on the top floor several feet smaller. So, the decision to hide Jews came with a financial cost, caused great inconvenience, and put the family in jeopardy of being arrested. Yet, God’s love and compassion motivated them to take these risks.

Visiting her home and peering through the cut away wall into the famous hiding place fulfilled a desire I’ve carried for many years. Learning about the Ten Boom family’s passion to open their home despite its limited size and considerable risk was both inspiring and convicting. Even before the war, they welcomed a steady stream of visitors to their table, no matter how meager the meal or how cramped the room. Their selfless decisions blessed many lives and stand in stark contrast to the individualism rampant in our culture today. The Ten Boom family personified Paul’s instructions in Romans: “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” (Romans 12:12-13, NIV)

While there isn’t an exact parallel for us today, there are many ways followers of Jesus can be intentional about making space to show God’s love to others. Here are a few examples:

Physical Space: The Ten Boom family made space for others despite their tiny house. What would it look like for you to practice hospitality? Is there a physical space where you can connect with others regularly– whether it’s at home, work, a favorite coffee shop, or somewhere outside?

Temporal Space: The Ten Boom family made time for others and served them with genuine kindness. Can you create  time for others in your busy schedule? Building in more margin could enable you to be a better listener, to notice needs of others, or to be flexible and gracious with  interruptions.

Relational Space: The Ten Booms had an ever-widening circle of friends and acquaintances. Are you open to welcoming new people into your life? Have you considered there are individuals you don’t yet know who God will use in your life?

Financial Space: The Ten Booms were not wealthy but shared the resources they had with others and experienced great joy because of it. What if you set aside a few dollars monthly in a “generosity fund” and used it only to bless others? How much fun could it be spending God’s money to pay for a single mom’s babysitter or to support a student going on a mission trip? What about donating to a cause that moves you– like fighting human trafficking or providing help for victims of a natural disaster?

Any time we’re intentional about making space for people God places before us, we’re showing His love. Jesus declared “I am the light of the world” in John 8:12. This is the only one of the seven “I am” statements that He also declared over His followers: “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16, NIV)

In our individualistic society it’s common to think only of ourselves—our comfort, our convenience, our needs, and our wants. The more resources we have, the more we use them on ourselves. But for followers of Jesus, our purpose is to be lights in the world and to live out the call to love God and love people. We are blessed to be a blessing to others. The provision, comfort, and hope we receive aren’t meant to be hoarded, but shared, which brings to mind a sobering parable of Jesus:

“And he told them this parable: ‘The ground of a certain rich man yielded an abundant harvest. He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.’

Then he said, ‘This is what I’ll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store my surplus grain. And I’ll say to myself, ‘You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.’

But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’

This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.” (Luke 12:16-21, NIV)

God promises to give us everything we need, so let’s not waste time prioritizing personal comfort that’s temporary when we can be making eternal investments with our time and resources. Consider praying and asking the Lord one way you can make more space in your life to be a light and share His love with a world that desperately needs it.

Want to learn more about the Ten Boom family? Click here.

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Three Aspects of Walking Worthy

Although the words in Paul’s letter to believers in Ephesus were penned two thousand years ago, they contain rich relevance for us today. Filled with wisdom on a wide array of specific topics, he shows us how to walk in a manner that’s worthy of our calling as God’s beloved children (Ephesians 4:1). As one commentary explains, “Christian living requires certain and specific actions. The Christian faith is not a passive religion; it is an aggressive pursuit of the productive and beneficial.”1 

Ephesians 5 touches on specific actions that have a profound impact on our pursuit of Jesus. Let’s look at three topics from this important book that show us how to walk worthy of our calling.

Sexual Purity: “Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God. Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God’s people.” (Ephesians 5:1-3 NLT)

Continuing one of his themes from chapter 4, Paul reminds believers here that we’re meant to live differently from the world in regard to sexual practices. We’ve thrown off our old selves and have been made new in the attitudes of our minds. Our hearts are no longer hardened or ignorant about sin. (4:18-24). In Christ, our habits, behaviors, and attitudes about sexual activity set us apart from the world because we have a “new nature” (4:24). Rather than taking our cues from popular culture, personal feelings, physical urges, or worldly influences, we seek the wisdom of the Bible as our guide. 

Of course, with the steady influence of the world, it’s still easy for believers to fall into misguided views on this topic. When we avoid hard truth in Scripture and float with the current of popular culture, we’re bound to make compromises when it comes to sex. Rather than being deceived or confused by current practices, let’s stand solidly on the wisdom of God’s Word that has remained unchanging for thousands of years. We need to open our Bibles and allow God’s truth to buff away the callouses of the world that desensitize us to sensuality and lust. Let’s stop normalizing habits of mind and body that ultimately damage our souls and our relationships. 

This is a sensitive topic that may make you uncomfortable. Will you invite the Lord to speak into your life around your views and practices regarding sex? 

Speech and Language: “Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes—these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God.” (Ephesians 5:4, NLT) As with sexual practices, Paul continues his discussion from Ephesians 4. He explains language believers should avoid: Foul, abusive, obscene, foolish, coarse. He also lays out what language they should use instead: Good, helpful, encouraging, thankful (4:25-32).

Foul language has become pervasive in our culture. We’ve been desensitized by hearing it used frequently in media and by public figures. Because humans are prone to social contagion, we unconsciously mirror what we see and hear. The prevalence of swear words and harsh language used in casual conversation has become commonplace, even among followers of Jesus. Choosing to be intentional about preventing obscene and foul language from polluting our vocabularies sets us apart from the world. Being deliberate about speaking words of encouragement, kindness, and gratitude differentiates us and shows we’re walking in a manner worthy of our calling as followers of Jesus.

Have you allowed the world to influence the way you talk? Consider spending time with the Lord and inviting Him to search your heart and show you any behaviors, tendencies, or vocabulary that you need to confess. Let His cleansing mercy free you to walk unfettered by sin and to live worthy of your calling. 

Drinking Alcohol in Excess: “Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit.” (Ephesians 5:17-18, NLT)

Paul compares two different elements that have the power to control a person’s mind and behavior: alcohol and the Holy Spirit. The effects have vastly different results. One commentary explains, “Getting drunk leads to a loss of self-control; being filled with the Spirit leads to more self-control (Galatians 5:22–23). We cannot be controlled by both alcoholic spirits and the Holy Spirit at the same time. When we choose to ingest mind-altering substances, we are effectively choosing to give ourselves over to the control of something other than the Holy Spirit.”2  

Some believers avoid alcohol altogether while others drink in moderation. Regardless of where you stand on this issue, the Bible is clear that getting drunk isn’t harmless fun—it dishonors God, causes us to lose our inhibitions, and often leads to further sin. In a culture that celebrates and focuses on alcohol consumption, we need to be thoughtful as believers about how we handle this challenging topic. Let’s walk worthy of our calling, following the wisdom of Scripture: “Be sober-minded, be alert. Your adversary the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour.” (1 Peter 5:8 CSB)

How might you be acting thoughtlessly when it comes to alcohol? Do you drink to numb negative emotions? Is alcohol your source of courage or relaxation? Is it the main ingredient required to have fun? What are you modeling for your kids or grandkids? Will you pray and invite God to speak into your views and habits around drinking and let Him renew your mind wherever you’ve gotten off track? (Romans 12:1-2)

Paul addresses many hard topics in Ephesians 4 & 5. While some of his words may cause conviction or discomfort, his purpose is to show us how to mature in our faith and avoid hindrances to our growth (Hebrews 12:1-2). His wisdom is for our good and God’s glory. “So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.” (Ephesians 5:15-17, NLT) 

If one of these topics brought the discomfort of conviction, don’t miss the opportunity to seek the Lord in prayer. Lean into your loving Heavenly Father, be honest with Him and confess where you’re struggling. He’s there to forgive you and guide you onto a better path that will bless you and honor Him.

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Inspired by Ephesians: A Study of Faith and Practice by Jackie Hill Perry, Jasmine Holmes and Melissa Kruger, Lifeway Press, 2024

  • 1. Klyne Snodgrass, The NIV Application Commentary: Ephesians, Zondervan, 1996 as quoted in Ephesians: A Study of Faith and Practice by Perry, Holmes and Kruger, 133.
  • 2. Got Questions Website

Leveraging Your Credibility

Pushing off the ground, the teeter totter sailed upward until my feet no longer touched the ground. With his longer legs and firmly planted feet, my son sent me plummeting downwards with one swift movement. His size, power, and position gave him all the leverage in that moment. Perhaps you’re familiar with the concept of leverage—whether it’s physical (like the teeter totter) or financial (like borrowing against an asset). There’s a third kind of leverage, however, that’s more subtle but incredibly powerful: the ability to influence others.

We establish credibility when we have knowledge, connections, and experiences that are relevant to others’ circumstances. This gives weight to our words and increases our leverage. For example, when I speak to moms of young kids, I gain leverage by sharing relatable personal stories about my parenting journey. Once I’ve established my credibility, they lean in as I tell them about biblical truth that steadied me in young motherhood. This is one example of emulating what Paul describes: “Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law.” (1 Corinthians 9:19-20, NIV)

Paul leverages his credibility as he interacts with both Jews and Gentiles on our continuing journey through the book of Acts. In chapter 22, zealous Jews begin rioting and beating Paul after making a false assumption about him (Acts 21:29). Roman authorities must extract him from the upheaval by carrying him up the steps to the barracks. Before going inside, Paul leverages his credibility with the soldiers by speaking their language (Greek) and revealing he’s from the highly respected city of Tarsus. Because of this, they allow him to address the crowd:

“`Brothers and fathers, hear the defense that I now make before you.’ And when they heard that he was addressing them in the Hebrew language, they became even more quiet. And he said: ‘I am a Jew, born in Tarsus in Cilicia, but brought up in this city, educated at the feet of Gamaliel according to the strict manner of the law of our fathers, being zealous for God as all of you are this day.’” (Acts 22:1-3, ESV)

Note how Paul builds rapport with the Jewish crowd. First, he addresses them respectfully as a peer, calling them “brothers and fathers.” Despite the teaching about Jesus, he shows he’s still one of them—“Christianity is simply a loyal extension of Judaism.”1 He also speaks in the common language among Palestinian Jews (called Hebrew in ESV and Aramaic in NIV). “He used Aramaic not only to communicate in the language of his listeners, but also to show that he was a devout Jew and had respect for the Jewish laws and customs.”2 His choice of language catches the attention of the crowd and quiets them enough to hear more.

He continues to leverage his credibility by explaining his background and connections: “I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city. I studied under Gamaliel and was thoroughly trained in the law of our ancestors. I was just as zealous for God as any of you are today… I even obtained letters from [the high priest and the Council] to their associates in Damascus, and went there to bring these people as prisoners to Jerusalem to be punished.” (Acts 22:3 & 5, NIV) Paul increases his credibility by mentioning he was the student of Gamaliel, who was the most influential educator of pharisees at that time. On top of that, Paul knew the high priest well enough to ask him to write letters on his behalf. He mentions these ties not to brag, but to reveal the access he’s had to prominent people the crowd respects. Additionally, he shows he has deep knowledge of Jewish laws so they’ll understand that his proclamation of Jesus as Messiah isn’t heresy—it’s a fulfillment of what they’ve been awaiting for generations. He identifies with the people, finds common ground, and builds from there.3

Unfortunately, after Paul shares the incredible story of his conversion on the road to Damascus, the unruly mob moves beyond the ability to reason. In an uproar, they call for his execution. Removing him from the vicious crowd, the Roman soldiers take him into the barracks to be flogged and questioned. Again, Paul leverages his credibility by sharing another significant piece of personal information: “But when they had stretched him out for the whips, Paul said to the centurion who was standing by, ‘Is it lawful for you to flog a man who is a Roman citizen and uncondemned?’” (Acts 22:25, ESV) 

By revealing his Roman citizenship and knowledge of Roman law, Paul changes his situation dramatically: “When the centurion heard this, he went to the tribune and said to him, ‘What are you about to do? For this man is a Roman citizen’…The tribune answered, ‘I bought this citizenship for a large sum.’ Paul said, ‘But I am a citizen by birth.’ So those who were about to examine him withdrew from him immediately, and the tribune also was afraid, for he realized that Paul was a Roman citizen and that he had bound him.” (Acts 22:26, 28-29, ESV) The Roman tribune cancels the flogging and shows fearful respect for Paul after learning of his status as a natural born Roman citizen. 

With both Jews and Gentiles, Paul knows which aspects of his biography to leverage. He uses his credentials when necessary, but they don’t define his identity. In Philippians he writes, “If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless. But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ.” (Philippians 3:4-7, NIV)

Paul knew his credentials and recognized when and how to use them, but he wasn’t unique in that. All of us have life experience, connections, family, education, skills, resources, and hardships that give us credibility with different types of people. We can invite the Spirit to use those things as leverage so that we can lead them to reconciliation with the Lord: “All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.” (2 Corinthians 5:18-20, NIV)

What aspects of your life experience can be leveraged for God’s kingdom? Why not invite the Holy Spirit to show you where and with whom you can capitalize on your credibility to build rapport and share the gospel?

  • 1. Elizabeth Woodson, week 8 video of Acts: The Gospel Goes Out Part 2 by the Village Church.
  • 2. NIV Study Bible, Zondervan p. 2008
  • 3. Elizabeth Woodson, week 8 video of Acts: The Gospel Goes Out Part 2 by the Village Church.

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