Bust Outta The Box
I grew up with the message, “You can do anything you set your mind to…(as long as it fits into this box).” Of course that last part wasn’t spoken out loud, but was very much the expectation. I’m learning that I’m not alone. I’ve discovered that many women through the years have struggled and continue to struggle with knowing how to honor God in the church and in the world today (take some time to watch the above link). For many years, I made myself fit into that box, not realizing just how bruised I’d become. It actually wasn’t until recently that I began to really recognize my continuing internal struggle. My own woundedness resurfaced as I watched my daughter begin to wrestle with her place in this world and God’s call on her life. And I knew that the box had to go. I want so much more for her (and myself) than what’s in that box. And I know that both she and I (and many of you) have more to offer than what will fit in the box, because the God who does more than we could ask or imagine gifts us in the same way. And His gifts were never meant to stay in the box.
One of my biggest fears is not being enough. And I want to hide in the box, uncomfortable as it is. At the same time, I fear being too much if I bust out of the box into the freedom Jesus set me free to experience (Gal. 5:1). And here’s the thing: I don’t want to be who people think I should be; I want to be who God calls me to be. I’m not trying to undermine anyone’s authority; I‘m trying to submit to the authority of Christ. My goal is not to be better than anyone else; my goal is to be the best me I can be. I don’t want to be part of the boys’ club; I want to be part of the Jesus club, where everyone is seen and heard and discipled and valued as equal partners in the gospel.
Jesus came and turned the world on end. He stepped over cultural and gender lines. He put the religious leaders in their place. He valued women. He said “the last shall be first” (Matt. 20:16), and “the humble will be exalted.” (Matt. 23:12) Because the King came as a servant, some thought He wasn’t enough. He busted out of the box when He busted out of the womb, the Word made flesh. He busted out of the box by interacting and loving sinners (gasp!) and by daring to heal on the Sabbath day. He busted out of the box when He allowed His own body to be broken and spilled out on the cross. He busted out of the grave clothes and then right out the tomb. Because of all that, some thought He was too much.
I’ve heard it said, “Some people will only love you if you fit inside their box. Don’t be afraid to disappoint.” This was true of Jesus. This is true of us. Too many of us have been wounded by someone who chose to disregard us because we didn’t fit into their box. The box has to go. And guess what? If we know Jesus, we don’t have to fight for a seat at the table (whatever table that might be for you), because we already have a seat at His table. And more than fighting for a voice in the discussion or a microphone behind a podium, let’s fight for freedom – freedom to live out God’s call on our lives, knowing He will never lead us to do something outside His will.
In His final encouragement before going back to heaven, Jesus said, “Go and make disciples…” Both men and women need Jesus. Both men and women need to hear the gospel. Both men and women need to share the gospel and preach the gospel to a world that desperately needs it, and to a church who continues to need it.
What is God calling you to do? I know God has gifted me and has impassioned my heart and soul to speak His truth, whether it be in a personal conversation, a blog post, from a stage, or in a book. He is calling me to make disciples of whomever will listen – young, old, male, female, believer or unbeliever. And I want to obey Him. I want to please Him. Ultimately, I want to be like Jesus. Jesus busted out of the box. He broke the chains, and He blazed a trail of God’s glory. Let’s commit to following His example.
Bust out, break through, because God’s gifts were never meant to stay in the box.