Validation

 

 

I was thinking...

At the core of a human being is something remarkably complex. We want...no, NEED, our views, our opinions, plans, ideas, dreams, and accomplishments validated. We want them to matter to other people, other human beings.

Why?

I think the answer is in the middle of the word validation...it's the word ID. We want to matter because it's part of our identity, our value and our worth.The invisible identity card we carry cries out for validation, for approval and acceptance. Yet, it is constantly being questioned by the cruel border patrols of doubt, fear and insecurity. We look for validation through work, relationships and achievements...but is it enough?

I don't think so...not for me...I suspect not for you either.

I look through my wallet at all the forms of ID I carry...nope, not enough. I look through those invisible ID cards that I carry (that I wish I didn't)...nope, not even close to being enough.

What then...is enough?

The Father's validation...the one who has place a much higher value on who I am.

"The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children." Romans 8:16

"God's Spirit touches our spirits and confirms who we really are. We know who he is, and we know who we are: Father and children." The Message

Is that enough?

Oh yeah...more than enough!

“Your true identity is as a child of God. This is the identity you have to accept. Once you have claimed it and settled in it, you can live in a world that gives you much joy as well as pain. You can receive the praise as well as the blame that comes to you as an opportunity for strengthening your basic identity, because the identity that makes you free is anchored beyond all human praise and blame. You belong to God, and it is as a child of God that you are sent into the world.” Henri J. M. Nouwen

Are you feeling validated today? Are those pesky border patrols giving you a hard time? How can I pray for you?