We are moving through the book of Romans a verse at a time and today we come to verse 6 of chapter 1. If you have missed any of our previous discussion they can be found on THE ROAD THROUGH ROMANS PAGE.
Romans 1:6 reads,
And you also are among those Gentiles who are called to belong to Jesus Christ.
I don’t know what growing up for you was like. My experience was echoed in the movie Diary Of a Wimpy Kid. Only for me there never really was that moment where I exploded onto the hero’s stage. I was just a wimpy kid. I was the overweight guy, who got good grades, played flute in the band and got picked last in every gym class line up (not even kidding there).
One time in volley ball I got placed on the team and was told “if the ball comes to you just step out of the way. We don’t want you to foul up our game.”
I left the game and sat on the sidelines and that seemed to make everyone happy. I immersed myself in a book and went to that place all misfits go to when they are hurt, the imagination.
I share that to relay to you one of the reasons I am a Christian today. Like many others I know I found it hard to fit in to a world that valued certain attributes I didn’t have and downplayed other attributes I did have. When I came to Christ I found a place to belong. I found Someone who accepted me for who I was and what I could do and who actually valued it. More than that He told me that He was the One who made me this way and that I was CALLED TO BELONG TO HIM AND USE MY GIFTS FOR HIM.
Maybe I don’t fit in with the world. Maybe I don’t even fit in with most of the church. That is OK because I fit in with Jesus and He likes me just fine. I have discovered that, I can serve the world in the church on the basis of His acceptance. I don’t need any body else’s.
How has belonging to Christ healed your self-perception?
Lillie-Put 
He said, “You are mine, I haved called you by name.” Made me realize I am someone, not unloved and invisible.
Me too.
Wow, this series is so powerful in so many ways, Pastor J! Belonging to Christ has healed a lot of my self-perception issues although I have to admit I still have moments here and there where the enemy sneaks his way into my thoughts. But I am learning to take every thought captive and not let it go any further than just a thought for I am a child of God trying to walk in VICTORY every day!
Amen Deb! I am convinced this struggle with perception will go on until the “Accuser” is dealt with at the end of the age!