Talking to Reptiles

Have you ever had a conversation with a snake?  Well, sure you have. I know I have.  They may not look like a snake, but sure act like one.  These snakes are the infamous voices of the useless criticism we hear from ourselves and others.  They are crafty, cunning, and subtle.  Just like the snake that slithered into the mind of Eve in the garden ages ago.

Eve wasn’t doubting herself  until the snake came on the scene.

Suddenly she questioned God and her identity when the snake mentioned that the fruit could make her be like God.

The truth is that she already was like God. She was made in His image, and her identity as his creation

was solid.

Yet, the snake made her question God, and who He made her to be.  He made her question God’s provision.  He made her question what God had said.  This is his method of operation that has not changed over time.

Modus Operandi

He tried the same thing with Jesus.  In the desert being tempted Jesus was faced with the hiss of the enemy.

Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be temptedby the devil. ² After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. ³ The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”   Matthew 4:1-3 NIV

We, God, and the infamous all have something to say about our identity. But, we shouldn’t be having conversations with snakes.  The negative opinions of others all have a hiss. So do the ones we decide to own and allow to slither through our mind. They curl up in the corner and make themselves way to comfortable until time to strike.  What that hiss speaks should be none of our business.  Anthony Hopkins has something to say about others’ opinions,

“My philosophy is: It’s none of my business what people say of me and think of me.”

What Impacts Your Identity

Decide today that you will not allow the opinions of others to have an impact on your identity.  Unless that opinion is shaped by the truth of the word of God, and who He says you are.  ❤ Melinda