Humanity

It’s interesting—God created us as humans, but we don’t always like being human. It means we are fragile and imperfect. Sometimes, we think we need to be perfect, and that perfection is what God expects from us. I’m curious if that’s not what He expects at all.

I know I have struggled with my humanity. Even this week, I’ve realized that what I thought was right or good was partly influenced by selfish intentions that limit me from being fully myself. For a second there, I didn’t think I was human any more. I had some sobering conversations that led me back to the reality of my humanity. Since I am on a journey of growth and healing, it's possible for me to assume I am all healed up and finished when I find victory in some areas. I am realizing more and more that there are always more layers left to process or new ones that grow over the old. I’m human.

If God created me as a human, it must be possible that embracing humanity can bring more freedom and joy than rejecting it. I have certainly found a higher level of freedom by welcoming my humanity in the last few days. In that encounter, I have experienced a higher awareness of where I limit myself because of it. I am aware of chains that I never knew existed. When the chains are revealed, there is an opportunity to take them off. Jesus is really good at helping with that.

This conversation reminds me of the verse where Jesus tells his followers that you have not because you ask not. We can’t ask for things if we aren’t aware of what to ask. How beautiful is it that in the embrace of humanity our eyes are opened to the very things we need to ask Jesus for help with. Though, in the process, not only do the negative aspects of humanity come into focus, but the positive one’s do too.

We are all created with a dream and desire implanted in us from God himself. Is it possible that our humanity can help us unlock those dreams and desires and run after them uninhibited by limits established by shoulds and oughts? Is that what God expects of us instead of perfect behavior?

Let's ask Jesus some questions about it...

How has my humanity held me back, Jesus? How has my humanity birthed beauty in my life? What would happen if I fully embraced my humanity? What would happen if I denied it? How would you like me to respond, Jesus?