Below is an excerpt from the eBook, Daughters of the King: Finding Your Place in the Biblical Story. Now available on Amazon and via Paypal. Find out more about the book here!
In a world obsessed with titles and positions, the title Daughter of the King is the highest, most privileged title we could ever crave. So, why is it we often make much of other labels?
In general, we as women love to label ourselves. We love to categories ourselves, others, and our relationships to identify exactly where we fit. We feel most comfortable when we can shape how we view ourselves and how others see us. Check out any social media and you’ll see our world is constructed toward labels. We identify ourselves by what we own, what we do, what we say, how we’re built, and how we act.
I’m a SAHM (stay-at-home mom) or WAHM (work-at-home mom).
I’m a wife.
I’m a mama.
I’m an executive.
I’m a writer. I’m a coffee lover. I’m a thrill seeker. I’m a bookworm.
Recently, an article circled my Facebook feed called “23 Signs You’re an Introvert.” I have to admit the title caught my eye, because I recently discovered after taking a corporate personality test that I’m part introvert. The news came as quite a surprise to me because for years I’ve operated under the assumption that I’m an extrovert. I’ve signed myself up for speaking roles at church. I’ve pursued large group gatherings over one-on-one discipleship. I’ve volunteered time and again to be a greeter at Sunday worship services. And perhaps I’m revealing the darkness of my heart, but there was something about the label of an extrovert that I liked. Extroverts are fun to be around. They are often well-liked by their circle of friends.
So, when I discovered that I wasn’t as “fun” or “likable” as I thought, I had a five-minute identity crisis. Maybe I shouldn’t volunteer for such public positions, I thought. Maybe I’m not gifted to teach. Maybe I should just stay in the background. Before I knew it, I had completely taken my eyes off the One who has already defined my identity and was searching to better understand myself according to other labels.
Personality tests and even spiritual gift tests can be good things. But when we dwell on man-made labels, we are often guilty of losing our real sense of identity – a Daughter of the King.
The title Daughter of the King is not earned, bargained for, or bestowed because of special giftings or good behavior. It can’t be traded in for a seemingly safer label or lost to the super mom next door who grinds her own flour or has spotless floors. The title Daughter of the King can’t be tarnished by failure, mistakes, or past regrets. It’s an enduring title given to us for no other reason than that we’re related to the King. We belong to him, bearing his likeness and his appointment for service in his kingdom.
It is the best title we could ever crave or make for ourselves.
I am a Daughter of the King.
I’m celebrating my launch! Welcome to the party! Be sure to enter to win a lovely Dayspring crown necklacebefore Monday! Grab your copy of Daughters of the King before next week because on Wednesday, I’m starting a Read-Along!
Buy the PDF for $4.99!
Get 30% with the code FALL13
hmmmm….WAHM :-)I am looking forward to the read along.
I love that label “Daughter of The King.” I’m an introvert, so I appreciate the fact that there are personality tests out there to help educate people. So often people associate introverts with being shy. But it’s really that we function best alone and thrive in quiet, whereas extroverts get their energy from others. It’s not that we can’t be extroverted, but it tires us out. Great post. I enjoyed it. (Visiting from Faith Filled Friday linkup.)
Thank you visiting Laura! Yes, for years I was ‘recharging’ the wrong way. And it wasn’t until the corporate personality test that things began to click into place for me! So, I was indeed, thankful that test. It brought greater understanding to the way God made me! I struggle sometimes shouldering that label as an excuse. My goal is to not let my circumstances or reactions to my circumstances guide my behavior (such as when I don’t get time to recharge by myself). It is hard to live in light of the best title we could crave and understand ourselves in light of our King! But thankful for his Mercy!
Looking forward to seeing this…