My pastor said something very interesting the other day. He said “what if when you came to church you were given a name tag, but instead of a name tag saying ‘hello my name is...’the tags were written this way instead: “Hello I’m here for____’ or ‘I’m here because I need___.’
The way we introduce ourselves to folks, whether overtly or covertly says a lot about our character or who we really are.
Most of us are very good at hiding the real us until someone or something hits the right button. I know personally that I’m constantly having to guard against walking in the old man. The flesh knows how to resurrect itself, ask the apostle Paul or Peter or me😊
Living the inside out life is a challenge to say the least, but with the help of the Holy Spirit we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us (Philippians 4:13) also in that same chapter we’re encouraged to think on things that makes living inside out doable. Let’s read together:
“Finally, believers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable and worthy of respect, whatever is right and confirmed by God’s word, whatever is pure and wholesome, whatever is lovely and brings peace, whatever is admirable and of good repute; if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think continually on these things [center your mind on them, and implant them in your heart].” Philippians 4:8 or this one in Galatians: 5
“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.”
Galatians 5:13-14, 16-17, 22-24 NIV
This is inside out material. If we’re able to follow these simple truths our lives will be unashamedly transparent. Jesus lived the inside out life and taught His disciples to live the same. We are now recipients of the same grace to do likewise. Our personal testimonies produce inside out living. Learning how to be vulnerable and honest when sharing our stories with others helps hurting people heal, and searching people find a relationship with Jesus. The woman at the well comes to mind. She ran to the village and told all the people to come see a man who told her everything about her past. She was living inside out. John 4.
Nothing is ever wasted when we’re submitted to Christ. He uses the worst of our past as a steppingstone to our deliverance when we’re willing to live inside out. The best way I’ve learned to silence the devil, is to live inside out. I’ll use my past indiscretions and failures to win souls. If my past is an avenue to your freedom, I’ll live inside out. The apostle Paul shared how he wasted the Church, so that he could freely share how Jesus Christ had changed his life. Running away from your past as a redeemed child of God will not bring freedom, living inside out will. See Acts 22
Most of you are familiar with Joyce Meyer. This sister had a horrible experience with her father, her healing is witnessed by her inside out living. I’m not saying you should just run around blabbing about your past, but I am saying nothing about your life is without purpose. Whatever God allowed that did not lead to death is on purpose. People are always asking the question of why did God allow this or that? Why didn’t God stop this or that? Free will. We all have choices in most things. Sin, yes the big S, is always a factor. But when you’ve been rescued, redeemed and restored He will give you the grace to live inside out. Depending on the extent of your experiences, it will require inner healing, this healing needs the Healer Himself. You can’t possibly heal or transform yourself. This is why people turn to self destructive behaviors. Still, when they meet someone living inside out, who has passed through what they’re experiencing, change happens.
I can’t begin to tell you how many times my personal testimonies have helped others. The Lord by His Spirit will always let you know when and what to share and with whom. Acts chapter 2 is a perfect example. Only the Holy Spirit through Peter could have caused nations to hear their languages being spoken, and 3000 through Peter’s personal testimony of Jesus’ life, was set free that day. Inside out living is our greatest witness. Had Peter not been willing to speak up when the scoffers were saying they were drunk, the testimony of Jesus would’ve been hidden. Peter the denier had discovered the inside out life. The apostle Paul also said of his inside out life......Go read it in Romans 1:16😊
The inside out life is also a life of love. You can’t be vulnerable without experiencing real love- The love of God. We have no testimonies apart from us passing from death to life. The self made man has no room for humility. The me myself and I individual, doesn’t know how to be vulnerable and live inside out. He has to protect the image. But those who have encountered love and freedom through Christ, can’t wait to live inside out. We can’t wait to share what He’s done for us. There are some who’ll say they don’t wear their religion on their sleeves. Well first off if you’re born again it’s not about religion, but relationship. A relationship that cannot be private. Jesus encouraged inside out living. Let’s read together in closing:
Mark 5: They went across the lake to the region of the Gerasenes. When Jesus got out of the boat, a man with an impure spirit came from the tombs to meet him. This man lived in the tombs, and no one could bind him anymore, not even with a chain. For he had often been chained hand and foot, but he tore the chains apart and broke the irons on his feet. No one was strong enough to subdue him. Night and day among the tombs and in the hills he would cry out and cut himself with stones. When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and fell on his knees in front of him. He shouted at the top of his voice, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? In God’s name don’t torture me!” For Jesus had said to him, “Come out of this man, you impure spirit!”
As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed begged to go with him. Jesus did not let him, but said, “Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed.”
Mark 5:1-8, 18-20 NIV
Only those who have been set free by the Son of God, can share the pathway to true freedom with others. Living life inside out is a demonstration of true freedom. Won’t you live inside out for Jesus today? We may not win a thousand, but start with one. Tell one person about the goodness of Jesus and the Holy Spirit will do the rest.
Father in the precious Name of Jesus, the One who lived inside out so that we could follow His example. We ask you to help us not hide from our past but embrace it. Embrace it as a tool for witnessing to others of your grace and mercy. Your mercy to forgive and Your grace to live inside out. You died naked on a roadside in Jerusalem so that our sin and shame could be covered. Help us live boldly for You, naked yet unashamed in Jesus Name.
And they crucified Him. Dividing up His clothes, they cast lots to see what each would get. Mark 15:24
Written by permission of the Holy Spirit
W. Tennant