Once upon a time, in a land far, far away, lived a lion who thought he was a monkey.
Oh, what a sight to behold; a 400 pound lion attempting to hang out with his monkey buddies.
It would be funny if it wasn’t so sad.
You see, years ago, when the lion was quite young, he became fascinated with the monkey family which lived next door. Throughout the day, the lion and monkeys were inseparable; you’d never see one without the whole gang.
Now there’s really nothing wrong with lions and monkeys hanging out, unless they become confused about their identity and purpose in life.
Lions were not created to swing from tree to tree, limb to limb. They were created to rule the animal kingdom; to be the King of the Beasts.
But even a lion, if confused, can be reduced to a noisy, paranoid, fidgety monkey; a monkey in actions, but in truth, a lion.
And no matter how well the lion could imitate his little friends, it never changed what he truly was.
A lion.
A lion living far beneath his intended purpose.
There are many people in the world living far beneath their intended purpose. They were created, by God, to live an abundant, God infused life.
Although they’re loaded with unique gifts, talents, and abilities, they, like the lion, are confused about who they are. They’ve become so focused on what others around them are doing, they’ve learned to emulate their behavior and ultimately believe that’s who they are.
Some people “discover” their identity with the help of Hollywood, Social Media, and the overall societal voice. “This is what you feel, believe, question, etc.” the whole kit and caboodle forced into a confused, out of touch world.
Trying to make monkeys out of lions.
I’m not dissing monkeys. I’m simply saying you and I need to find out who we are, why are we here, and get on with life.
And in order to learn our purpose, we must listen to the One Who created us.
“So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” (Genesis 1:27 NLT)
“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” (Ephesians 2:10 NLT)
Whether you claim to be a Christian or not, God has ALREADY done something extraordinary for you! He’s made it possible, through faith in Jesus, for you to know and fulfill your purpose in life.
We’ve been created to bring God glory in everything we do.
When a lion thinks he’s a monkey, he’ll never live with true dignity and purpose.
If you and I buy the devil’s lie that we’re only an accident, or nothing more than an animal, we will forever be swinging from tree to tree; always falling short of God’s purpose for our lives.
But…“as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.” (John 1:12 – 1:13 NASB)
“…those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.” (Romans 5:17 NASB)
It’s time to know who you really are in Christ Jesus. Let the monkeys be monkeys; you be the lion God created you to be.
In Christ Jesus; forgiven of all sin, free of all condemnation, and filled with His power enabling you to be and do who HE said you are.
Amen.
Jan Grace 