Key Bible Verse: Carry out my instructions; don't forsake them (Proverbs 4:13). Bonus Reading: Romans 8:15-17a

After one seminar, Steve, a Chinese American student, told me he felt very distant from God's love and approval. "You must understand, Rick," he said, "that I'm the number one son. I must succeed as a doctor. My parents won't feel honored or respected if I do anything less, but I don't think I'll be able to. I study all the time, but my grades just aren't good enough. I live with the anxiety of it all the time. I've even thought of taking my life. I sometimes feel it's the only way out for me." Steve is boxed in by the words and false expectations of others who are attempting to define who he is.

We all—consciously or unconsciously—receive false messages every day that attempt to define us and tell us who we are. As these messages penetrate our heart, we develop a false self-identity that influences how we view others and ourselves. We get a new self—our true self—through our union with Christ. But it takes all our effort to live in that reality, because the false identities within us get much attention and nurture from the world around us and by the prince of this world system, the devil. So to begin the process of embracing our true selves, we must first recognize and renounce the false identities used to define us.

—Rick Richardson in The Heart of Racial Justice

My Response: What are some expectations of my cultural heritage?

Thought to Apply: Expectations tend to be self-fulfilling.—SOURCE UNKNOWN

Adapted from The Heart of Racial Justice (InterVarsity, 2004) by permission.

Prayer for the Week

Thank you, Lord, for creating my good and beautiful ethnic ancestors and their culture. Help me to embrace my true self in Christ.

				Try an Issue of Men of Integrity Free! Name Street Address City/State/Zip E-mail Address No credit card required. Please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery. Offer valid in U.S. only. Click here for International orders. If you decide you want to keep Men of Integrity coming, honor your invoice for just $19.95 and receive five more issues, a full year in all. If not, simply write "cancel" across the invoice and return it. The trial issue is yours to keep, regardless. Give Men of Integrity as a gift Buy 1 gift subscription, get 1 FREE!

FREE Newsletter Sign up for the Men of Integrity Newsletter    RSS Feed   RSS Help