“[Paul] shifted his life from a performance-based model to a position-based model. The performance-based model rests completely on ourselves to impress others in such a way that they applaud us. This is the strategy most of us work from, and it is utterly exhausting. . . . The position-based model, on the other hand, is relational. It declares, ‘I am significant because of my position as a child of god.’ “- Randy Frazee
“I want to know Christ — yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection of the dead.”- Philippians 3:10-11 (NIV)
Randy Frazee concludes Principle #12 of The Joy Challenge as he talks about what lies at the very foundation of this entire passage (Philippians 3:7-11). It’s the subject of our identity (who we are) and our worth (why we are). Above all, you must have a satisfying answer to both questions in order to possibly experience joy.
Certainly, Randy sees the popular concept of seeking self-worth by turning inward as a bit flawed. Because, if we don’t feel worthy, we can’t go to ourselves to find worth. Therefore, when it comes to our relationship with God, we need to know that He loves us, accepts us, and delights in us. Consequently, when we don’t have that, we find ourselves prone to develop identity issues.
Above all, Randy exhorts, that’s why the Aaronic blessing (Numbers 6:24-25) carried so much power over the people in the Old Testament. As well as when it’s sung over people today.
In conclusion, Randy observes, at the 1924 Summer Olympics, Eric Liddell pulled out of the 100-meter race. Out of his conviction to honor the Lord’s Day, Eric declined to run on a Sunday.
Fortunately, another runner gave Eric his spot in the 400-meter race on Thursday. And Eric won the gold medal. Because Eric knew his identity as a child of God, he didn’t need to run to prove his worth. As he told his sister in the movie Chariots of Fire:
“I believe God made me for a purpose. . . . But he also made me fast, and when I run I feel his pleasure.”
Today’s question: What Scriptures help you follow a position-based model? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “New modus operandi”