Labels

Labels are a funny thing. They can be very helpful, depending upon how they are used. If they are accurate they can help us to organize and reveal the contents of a container at a glance. But they can also be confusing or misleading, especially if the contents of the container have long since changed and no one bothered to change the exterior label. This is one of the reasons that labels, when attached to people can be particularly ineffective and sometimes downright harmful. Have you ever tried to change in the presence of someone who refused to see you in any other light other than what you were previously? Its hard isn't it? Change is difficult enough in and of itself...but its particularly difficult in the presence of those who by the way they speak to us and look at us they let us know in no uncertain terms that in their minds we will always wear the label of what we once were.
How different is Christ! He sees us in our sin and brokenness and calls us to a better way by calling us who we are meant to be! You're the apple of my eye! You are fearfully and wonderfully made! You are my friend! More than conquerors! God's elect! Chosen! Shouldn't the things that we say about one another bring life and call us to who we are...not what we were? Let's resist the urge to label each other with anything other than what Christ says about us.

Proverbs 15:30 A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones.