Labels - Are They Beneficial?

For a while now, I have been mulling over the way that we, as a culture, want to label everything and everyone.  I'm not just talking about the labels we put on people for their choices or politics but also about a diagnosis or condition that makes people different for some reason or another.  Are you defined by that diagnosis or your past experiences?  Even though this practice has long been common, it has agitated me for some time.  Why do we have to do that?!  I’ve come to believe that the Enemy loves to use labels.  Why? I believe it’s because he loves to limit us or distract us from fully realizing our God-given identity. 

As I’ve thought about that, I wonder why WE find labels so appealing?  Do we love it because it keeps us organized into neat little categories?  Or does it give us something to obsess about?  Does is comfort us to have a label for everything and everyone? 

Or does it provide us an excuse from the responsibility of being accountable or being a good steward of what God has entrusted us with?  Let's dig in:  Does it give the enemy a way to condemn us for not measuring up?  We find ourselves saying: “well, this is just the way I am” or “I’m not good enough” or “that person is an idiot” or any other similar claim.  As we are “owning” or "adopting" these labels, let’s also remember Romans 8:1-2.  “There is therefore no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.  For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made us free from the law of sin and death.”  Also remember Psalm 139:14:  "I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well.”

So now it’s time to truly evaluate the effect of this “labeling” on our lives.  Does this practice grant us freedom or does it imprison us?  I do believe sometimes the label can allow us to breathe a sigh of relief because we have an “answer” for how we are or what’s wrong…or right… with us and others.  But does this “knowledge” separate us from God and others?  Can it help us connect to God and others? 

I believe we can allow this “knowledge” to lead us to healing or isolation.  This is key:  which do we seek?  

Personally, I do not believe isolation is profitable in any true sense of our being.  I believe God created us for community and connection not separation.  (Genesis 2:18 “And the Lord God said, It is not good that man should be alone…”)  Seeking healing may be the more painful path (seemingly).  However, it leads us to connect with God and others.  God uses community to help us navigate the journey to wholeness.  That's another whole subject in itself.

My conclusion:  Labels limit us in ways that God does not and never intends for us.  Allow God to set your boundaries—to define who you are in Him.  

Isaiah 55:8-9 “My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways” says the Lord.  “For as the heavens are higher than the earth so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.”    

Share your thoughts on this subject.  I'd love to hear from you!  

May the Lord bless you and keep you in His arms!