Labels
July 2010
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Ephesians 4:29
My friend that recently moved said, “I just wish I didn’t have to spend every conversation trying to put a label on who I am; I simply long to spend time with friends that know me and don’t need a label to identify me.” I completely understood what she meant. Have you ever been in a situation when someone labeled you with an identifier and you thought that is not all who I am! We label things because it helps us to establish, to judge, to categorize, or even to compartmentalize, but is this practice always right? Some labels I own are “wife of Greg”, “mother of Mikayla and Grant”, “writer”, “teacher,” but I also have a few labels that I don’t like such as, “child of divorce”, “victim of abuse”… The list is longer, but I don’t like the labels.
Our conversation convicted me on why I label people. I realized that even a good label bears a bad connotation if not handled in the right manner. I can use labels for prideful reasons to lift myself up or to put another down. I guess this is why the Bible challenges us to only speak in a manner that edifies and builds up (Ephesians 4:29-32). As I ponder this verse, and how we label each other, it occurred to me that I need to make sure the labels I use meet a need and benefit those who listen. The Gentle Whisperer inside me reminded me that my labels over myself are not helpful and not beneficial for my soul to hear either.
Who have you labeled lately? Did it benefit or meet a need? What do your inner labels look like? Do they benefit your soul? Let’s take a label dare and seek to only think on and speak that which will be helpful and beneficial. Some of my favorite labels in Christ are daughter of the King, a royal priesthood, and holy nation. I try to use these often to speak over others and within my soul. What are your favorite Christ-centered labels?
Father, please help us to only use labels that will meet a need and benefit the listener.
Simply,
Tara
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