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"You are a Perfect Fit"
Made in the Image of God

You are a perfect fit;

I recently purchased a new car, a Honda Fit. Strange name for a car, “FIT,”  but it set me to pondering how I am finally finding my fit in life. 

For years, I suffered from an orphan spirit, never feeling like I belonged anywhere. I was in bondage to the lies of the enemy.  In the parable of the prodigal son, I would be the older brother. (Luke 15:11-32) 

Orphans carry their feelings on their sleeves and are easily hurt by others. They think they are justified in these actions because others often receive the favoritism. They maintain their walls of protection at the expense of fellowship with others. Those with orphan spirits need the affirmation of others, and when they don’t receive it, they often carry grudges and judge others. 

The older brother in our story refused to come to the party given by his father to celebrate the return of the lost son. He was focused on himself, and building his case while degrading his brother. He disrespected and refused to honor either his father or his brother.  He desired to receive the praise and honor for himself.

Recently my granddaughter gave a word from the Lord at my church regarding self-preservation and idolism. 

Not only was the older brother trying to preserve his position in his father’s house; he was also idolizing himself, and seeking his comfort. He earnestly desired recognition for his achievements and all he had done in his brother’s absence. As one with an orphan spirit, he thought he had to fight for what was already his. 

The opposite of the orphan spirit is the heart of sonship.  Romans 8:15-17 tells us that we are deeply loved and accepted by God. He did not spare His own Son but sent Him to die for sinful man. Father God unconditionally loves and accepts us as His children. We are sons/daughters of God, and as children,  inherit his Kingdom. 

God is love!   

“Love is patient, love is kind, love does not envy, is not boastful, is not conceited; does not act improperly, is not selfish, is not provoked, does not keep a record of wrongs; finds no joy in unrighteousness, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends.”  

(1 Cor 13:4-7)

As you look at the list of love, and the attributes of God, do you recognize that they are the opposite of those exhibited in the life of the older brother? The heart of a son receives affirmation because he knows he is valued, loved, and accepted by God.  His Word says we are the ”apple of His eye.”

In Mark 6:1-6 we read how the people in Jesus hometown did not honor Him. Because they saw Him only as the carpenter’s son, and Mary’s boy, He was not able to do any miracles there,  except to heal a few sick people.  Even Jesus was amazed at their unbelief. 

In contrast, we read in Matthew 8:5-13 about the centurion who had great faith. Not only did he understand authority,  but also honored Jesus for who He was and respected His position as Master. Jesus marveled at his faith.

Ephesians 5:22-6:4 tells us that children should honor their father and mother, wives should submit to and respect their husbands, and that husbands should love and honor their wives the way Christ loves the church. If we learn this lesson of honor, life will go well for us, and we will have a long life, that is a promise from the Lord.

Not only are we to honor the Lord but we are to honor one another. As we learn to value each other, we will begin to flow in the harmony and unity that is necessary for His Kingdom to come on earth as it is in heaven. 

When you know who you are in Christ, you know that you belong in His Kingdom. Your inheritance is secure; you can relax and be yourself.  You are a perfect fit!

God wants us to throw away the baggage that keeps us from receiving the love He longs to give us. It is time to stop believing the lies, and stand on the Truth; you are a perfect fit!

The orphan spirit of the older brother was operating under the desires of the flesh. “

The works of the flesh are:

Sexual immorality, moral impurity, promiscuity, idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambitions, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and anything similar—those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” 

The fruit of the Spirit is:

Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, self-control. Against such things, there is no law. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, we must also follow the Spirit. We must not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another,”  (Gal 5:19-26).

“Don’t be deceived: God is not mocked. For whatever a man sows he will also reap, because the one who sows to his flesh will reap corruption from the flesh, but the one who sows to the Spirit will reap eternal life from the Spirit. So we must not get tired of doing good, for we will reap at the proper time if we don’t give up, “  (Gal 6:7-9).

In Romans chapter 8 we see the comparison of the one who walks according to the flesh with the one who lives according to the Spirit. “All who are led by God’s Spirit are God’s children. We did not receive a spirit of slavery to fear but the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba Father.” If we are God’s children we are heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ.” 

Come out of agreement with the orphan “older brother” and come into agreement with God’s Spirit. For you are created in the image of God, a perfect fit, no longer a slave,  but free in Christ. He whom the Son sets free is free indeed. You shall know the Truth and the Truth shall set you free. Do not be guilty of unbelief, which does not honor Christ. Believe the Father is who He says He is, and give Him honor. 

Christ Jesus died on a cross to pay your sin debt. Do you believe that? If you do then confess your sins, repent and plead the blood of Jesus over your life.  He said, “It is finished.” Jesus paid the complete price for your sins. We owe Him all the glory, all the honor, and all the praise. He deserves the reward for His suffering. 

You are a perfect fit. You belong to Christ. He has a harvest to be reaped, and He needs laborers.

Patricia Harris

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