My hubby has a label machine, and it’s super handy! All I have to do is type in the words, and zip! Out comes a neat and precise label. While I wouldn’t call organization my strong suit, it is something I value. So, being able to apply neat, legible labels to certain items gives me an oddly satisfying sense of security and order.
The challenge is that I have to be careful not to mentally carry that label machine with me as I go about my day. It amazes me how easily I can label my world without much thought, and how hard my brain works to create a sense of internal order from the chaos of life.
Can you relate? Something as mundane as walking into a grocery store can trigger my internal label gun to fire off without warning. The labeling starts almost as soon as I walk through the door. I think, Wow, those employees are chit-chatting. They should be working. Or, Why did she dress like that? I wouldn’t go out in public that way. Or even, Oh my goodness, how can he act like that? There’s this weird part of me that feels compelled to judge everything and everyone, including myself, because judgment is always a two-way street.
During that same grocery trip, I might see someone and think, Wow, she looks great. I’m getting so chubby. I need to work out more. Why don’t I do that? And if I’m not careful, especially on a rough day, those labels can get downright ugly, spiraling into thoughts like, I’ll never change. I’m always lazy. I can’t get anything right. How can anyone put up with me?
Of course, the enemy loves to masquerade as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14) and is called “the accuser,” so as a Christian woman, my faith gets attacked too. When I allow the enemy to place those negative labels on me, my thoughts turn to, How can God possibly love me? I am worthless. Or, I’m broken beyond repair. God can’t change this in me. I deserve all the bad things that happen to me. God must be ashamed of me.
And on it goes. Labels here, labels there. In the news. In the neighborhood. In my mind.
The enemy loves labels because they keep us trapped in cycles of comparison. And when we compare, we invite in the toxic combination of pride and insecurity. We either see ourselves as better or worse than others, which eventually leads to an emotional knock-out, because comparison truly is the thief of joy.
But praise be to God, who teaches us how to break that cycle! We’re no longer defined by what we do or don’t do, and we don’t have to define others that way either.
For me, this is an ongoing process of grabbing the broken thoughts that come my way and replacing them with God’s freeing truth. I love Romans 12:2, which reminds me, “Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.”
And 2 Corinthians 10:5 reminds me to take my thoughts captive, to make them obedient to what the Lord says is true about me and others. So, I grab those broken thoughts and replace them with God’s truth, finding peace and freedom only my Creator can provide.
It’s also choosing to focus my scattered thoughts on where the Lord tells me to. Philippians 4:8 reminds me, “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
I fight to not allow my thoughts wander down negative rabbit holes. I choose to focus on the many blessings and good things around me. To interrupt those silent, negative conversations in my head with reminders of what actually matters to my Creator. Then, the Lord goes to work on my behalf.
See, it’s not about self-improvement. It’s about inviting in the Holy Spirit through prayer, scripture and choosing to see the good around me that begins to transform my thoughts, and therefore my life story, from the inside out. To allow me to begin to see the world through God’s lens of love, and to extend the invitation of freedom to others. Not perfectly, but consistently.
So, if you also have a label gun of your own, choose to replace the enemy’s sound track with something different. Focus on thoughts like, I don’t know your story, but I’m praying a blessing over you right now. Or, Lord, help me step in and encourage this person. Let me respond with compassion like Jesus.
And especially speak through the noise in your mind, Papa, You promised that nothing is impossible for You. Thank You for embracing me in my messiness and loving me unconditionally. I know I’m chosen and deeply loved, precious in Your sight. Help me to see myself as You see me.
Yes and Amen!
FOR FURTHER THOUGHT: Breaking free from labels can be tough. We all struggle with thoughts of comparison and judgment—it’s part of being human. That’s why Jesus came to offer us undeserved grace. The guilt and shame are removed; we just need to access it. To your Creator, you are worth the battle for your mind.
When you find yourself battling thoughts of anxiety, depression, grief, fear or comparison, invite Jesus right into the center of your swirling thoughts and emotions. He will sit there with you, holding your hand.
Praise Him even when it feels counterintuitive. Fight to find the points of light and joy around you. Read scriptures of truth repeatedly until they sink deep into your soul. As you do, the Holy Spirit will begin to weave freedom and transformation into the very fabric of your being.
Never forget: “With God, all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26).
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I come to You today, asking for Your help in breaking free from the labels I place on myself and others. I know how easily my mind can fall into judgment and comparison, and I ask for Your wisdom to see the world through Your eyes of love and grace. Please help me to take captive every thought that doesn’t align with Your truth and replace it with the peace and freedom only You can provide. Thank You for loving me unconditionally, even in my messiness. Transform my heart, Lord, so I may walk in Your truth. Amen.
ABOUT BARB LOWNSBURY
Barb is a speaker, author, and entrepreneur. She holds Bachelor's Degrees in International History and Education, as well as a Master’s Degree in Education. Barb has spoken at conferences and taught classes throughout the U.S. on topics including faith, relationships, leadership, and courage through trials. Her book, Using What’s Broken to Boldly Shine, is a powerful read on transformation through adversity. Her blog focuses on providing people with everyday encouragement and strength. Barb serves as the Executive Director for The Dented Fender Ministry and runs a successful real estate and development company. She and her husband currently reside in Dayton, Ohio.
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