Now the word of the Lord came to me saying, ‘Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.’ (Jer. 1:4-5)
Most of us grew up hearing these words: “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” Were those words sometimes helpful and truthful? Yes. Were those words sometimes unhelpful and untruthful? Yes.
The following phrase contains more truth: “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can break my heart. Whereas broken bones can heal, sometimes broken hearts don’t.”
Some of the most powerful words that we hear come as “family scripts.” In some families, those scripts are encouraging. In other families, those scripts are discouraging, debilitating, even abusive.
Here’s a sampling of some destructive scripts: “Someday we will be proud of you.” “No one would ever marry you.” “Why can’t you be more like your…” “You will never amount to anything.” “You talk too much…” “If only you would lose weight…get better grades…be normal…”
What scripts do we live by? Most of us have a combination of scripts. Some of them lift us up and keep us strong, and some trip us up and tear us down. Some people don’t even know that they have those scripts because they are buried so deeply in their minds and hearts.
Our families give us scripts. So does God. What are the scripts God gives?
In today’s scripture God gives a “script” to Jeremiah. In these words, God told Jeremiah he was “formed,” “known,” “consecrated,” and “appointed.” What Jeremiah heard from God we need to hear from God.
Imagine what our life would be like if we always remembered that we are “formed” in God’s image, “known” and loved by God, “consecrated” by God, and “appointed” by God for some special purpose.
What are the family scripts you have been given? I encourage you to embrace those that bring life, and to release those that don’t.
Above, beyond, and more important than our family scripts, I encourage us to remember and hold fast to the script God has for us. We, like Jeremiah, are formed, known, consecrated, and appointed by God, for our joy and for His glory.
Reflection Questions:
- What are the scripts that your family gave to you? Are there any that you need to release? Are there others that you need to remember because they once gave you life and hope and joy?
- What does Jeremiah’s calling say to you? What do you think God’s calling and scripting to you could be?
- How would your life change if you always remembered that you are formed, known, consecrated, and appointed by God?
Best one ever. “Why don’t you lose weight?”
Love you dear man.
Releasing a negative script is like falling backward knowing that the hands of your team will be there to catch you. The work is developing that knowing, AKA faith, and actualizing it. Thank you for making that connection!