$0.02 about insecurity

Had a conversation about insecurity with some LWFers last night. One of them told me I seem to have a lot of confidence, and asked if I also have a lot of insecurities, if I try to overcompensate with the former.

Made me think about the definition of the word... I don't think insecurity is a measure of shortcomings. On the flip side, confidence doesn't stem from a lack of weaknesses. Instead, I think insecurity is an inability to cope with our weaknesses. The insecure person fears men and squirms when light is shed on their shortcomings.

But 2 Corinthians 12:9 is one of my favorite verses! - that God's strength is made perfect in our weakness. So much freedom knowing that Christ is our salvation and worth. I wish I was better at a lot of things, I wish I was more God-fearing. But as believers we should be less insecure when we learn to take our eyes off ourselves and to fix our eyes on the fact that we are a new creation. No longer defining "success" by our own strength, but knowing that confidence comes from the fact that we are worthy and precious in God's eyes. Terribly unfair that God's love and mercy does that, but true.

I'm not saying I don't have insecurities. I do, I just don't think I'm plagued with them because I know where my hope is. When my strength is in myself, and I compare myself with a worldly idea of success, I am more insecure. But when I refocus my eyes on the cross, I realize that even my inadequacies are used to show His awesomeness. How terribly efficient He is...

Family!!!

After four months I found a church and am committing to Living Word :) It was cool to see the strengths of each church and I'm glad I took the time to check out Wellspring, LWF and SF Bible. Was immensely blessed by each one and found them to be very welcoming.

Reasons why I chose LWF :)
Teaching: Pastor Eric is a gifted speaker and you can tell he's passionate about the Word. I feel convicted by his sermons and my desire to read and know the Word has grown under his teaching.

Balance: A lot of strengths and weaknesses go hand in hand so it's important for leadership to be keen on weaknesses so the church is balanced. For example, when Paul wrote letters to Corinth he rebuked and called out their sins. I like how at LWF the Word and obedience is stressed, but legalism and achievement-righteousness, which often comes with focusing on action, is also addressed.

Philosophy of ministry: I feel like I can fully stand behind Pastor Eric's vision. The church is very focused on relationships and the pastor really wants to know and invest in the sheep. I think pastoral visitation and seeking counsel from your shepherd is very important so I'm glad there is an emphasis for them to be available at LW.

People: the church is full of unique people. I think a lot of personalities could fit in here. I also think people have a heart for the lost. Not just people who would fit easily into a Christian lifestyle, but "worldly" people who need to hear the gospel. I feel like I have a heart for the non-cookie cutters :) so I'm thankful for the diversity.

Opportunities to serve: LWF is still growing so there are a lot of opportunities to serve. I'm thankful I was very well equipped at Evangel and I want to use that equipping and good teaching to really be expended and serve :)

I'm excited to go to church and invest in my brothers and sisters there. Thank you to everyone who prayed for me as I made my decision. :)