There are no worms in the Body of Christ.
Everyone who abides in Christ is a brand new creature. We
are no longer “worms” or “wretches” who are in need of God’s constant pity.
Our favorite hymns might suggest otherwise, but once we come
to Jesus we cease to be worms and begin to become new creatures who are
partakers of the Divine nature.
Yes, before the cross we were most pitiful and dead in our
sins.
Before we knew Jesus we were broken and worthless and
hopeless and blind.
But praise God we are no longer in this condition!
Those who are in Christ are no longer regarded as worms, but
as sons of God.
We who are members of the Body of Christ are loved and
treasured, not miserable wretches covered in our filthy sins.
Maybe there were some Christians in our church experience
who poured shame over us.
Maybe there were pastors and teachers who preached messages
of condemnation to keep us under control.
Maybe there were some worship leaders who planted melodies
in our hearts that emphasized our former identity as worms and wretches.
But that’s not who Jesus says we are.
We are sons and daughters.
We are filled with the fullness of Christ.
We are new creatures with a new nature.
We are holy.
We are spotless.
We are dearly loved.
If you don’t believe me, look it up. The New Testament is
chock full of truth about our new identity in Christ.
Jesus affirms our worth.
Jesus declares our freedom.
Jesus proclaims that we are friends, not slaves.
Jesus reminds us that we are God’s children who cry out “Abba!”
to our Heavenly Father who loves us dearly.
Jesus says that He and the Father will come and make their
home with those who love and obey Him.
Are you in Christ? Then there is no condemnation for you.
None at all.
Are you in Christ? Then there is nothing in the entire
Universe with the power to separate you from the love of God.
Are you in Christ? Then you are forever knitted together
with Jesus for the rest of eternity.
Repeat after me: “I am not a worm. I am a dearly loved child
of God. Jesus lives and breathes in me right now. He will never leave me. He
will never forsake me. His love for me will never die.”
Now, set your eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of your
faith. Place your hope in Him, the One who loves you beyond measure.
Start living every day, moment by moment, in the new reality
of your identity in Christ.
If you can, try helping others to see that they are not
worms, either.
We all need a lot more worm-free Christianity.
-kg
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