Am I Too Innocent

Posted by an anonymous church member...

My coworkers are not always the most encouraging bunch of people. I do my best to engage in conversation, but most shifts include banter that leaves me discouraged.

Jokes often end with offhanded statements about me not understanding their humor. I’m "too innocent” they say. And until recently, this felt like one big insult.

But I am different.

Then it came to me. Any change in my heart can only be because of a work of the Holy Spirit. My coworkers are witnessing a work of God in me! 

I have trusted the innocent Christ. He died and with Him I too have died. He lives and with Him I too now live. His Spirit in me is transforming me. My heart melts at the reality of forgiveness and love. I have been made righteous and bear a resemblance to my Savior, the only truly innocent one.

I see Jesus.

I can’t say that I now enjoy ever joke my coworkers make at my expense. I still don’t enjoy being mocked or misunderstood. However, now I see that when they call me “too innocent” they are right in doing so. And it reminds me of Jesus. Every time.

I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20 ESV)