Have you ever had a song stuck in your head, replaying over and over and over again? Hillsong United’s Ocean (Where Feet May Fail) has been echoing in my mind from the moment I wake up until the moment I go to bed. I just love that song. The following verse especially touches my soul every time I hear it.
"For I am Yours, and You are mine"
What a beautiful illustration of a committed relationship with the Lord. We are His, and He is ours.
And yet, as beautiful as this verse is, it tugs at my heart. Many Christians today are so quick to call themselves children of God, reaping the benefits, blessings, and promises that come along with being His. But, at the same time, refuse to acknowledge that He is ours.
This type of declaration – He is Mine – comes at a price. Making God ours has a cost associated with. It requires us to flee from any sinful behavior that we may be holding on to. Sin is a serious issue. So serious that God sent His son to die for it, so that we may be reconciled with Him. Nevertheless, Christians often willfully choose to live a life contrary to what the word of God instructs, ignoring His call for us to flee from sin, and rationalizing sinful behavior as acceptable in God’s eyes.
Furthermore, it’s one thing to go to God when you need him; it’s quite another thing to be available when God needs us. Making Him ours doesn’t just require us to change, but it requires us to take a stand for Him when his name is misused, or when scripture is abused, or when morality is compromised.
What will people think of us? It is simply easier to stay quiet. We wouldn’t want to offend anyone, even though no one has a problem offending us. But He is ours. He is our God. If we won’t defend Him, who will?
Let me illustrate this another way. I’ve been married to my husband for over 16 years, and I am one hundred percent committed to him. He is mine. I proudly wear my wedding ring on my finger declaring my unconditional love and vow to him. Furthermore, if someone were to speak badly about my husband, I would, without hesitation, defend him at all cost. There would be no shame on my part.
Ladies, there will be times in our lives when we will be the only voice taking a stand for God. It can be lonely. People may mock us. Friendships may be lost. Family members may be offended. Will you recoil in fear of what people might say or will you proclaim and demonstrate, without shame – Jesus, you are mine!
“I am my beloved's and my beloved is mine,”
Song of Solomon 6:3