MEASURING UP!

Measuring kids height on the side jambs of an upstairs door was a part of "growing up" at our house. These days it has extended to spouses and grands.

Often kids' friends would measure as well---some "cheating" to make them selves "taller." Years later these friends have brought their kids in to measure on the door & boast of their own measurement. Teddy. Tony. Katy. Stephanie.

What fun---especially when their own kids (Evan) see the discrepancy of height at the tippy-top of the side jamb compared to their true measure.Then they add their own measurements to compare to dad's "correct" one.

  

Measurements are a part of many aspects of life beyond physical to academic or career success, sports' prowess....even spiritual growth. What about righteousness? Could any of us measure up. 

NO is the answer. Paul David Tripp says it best.......Jesus has measured up on your behalf! (New Morning Mercies, January30)

I.D.

I.D. is the abbreviation for identity or a form of identification shown to prove one's identity. All of that involves outward identification. Just one look at my photo ID on my passport, accompanied by my Visa, allowed me to enter Turkey in November as a tourist. But....I was much more than that as I carried with me my educational background, my family love, my hopes and the testimony of my faith.

There was no way the airport security personnel could look into my "core."
I "looked" the part of a tourist---not a terrorist. Had security "looked within" my suitcase they might have questioned its "tourist's vacation" contents---tea cups, kiddie books, glue, cooking chips, Bible Study guides and dish towels. Recently, in our own country we have seen how outward appearance often belies inner beliefs or intentions.

To those who know me this picture offers many outward clues to my identity---

As a Christian, I can appear at church on any given Sunday outwardly looking much the same---happy, energetic, spiritual, "together." But somedays my outward appearance contradicts my inner disarray. Inner turmoil can be brewing yet smiles and conversation keep coming. That's okay because there is a time and place to deal with difficulties--- tho church steps on a busy Sunday morning might not be the best choice, at least not for me.

Inner disarray---how blessed to have a Lord who understands and friends in the faith who faithfully pray and offer wise counsel.

Then, one's true I.D. can show forth inwardly and outwardly---beloved child of God, the identity that counts. (Galatians 3:26, I Thessalonians 1:4)