Tangy, tender, spicy, or sweet, pickles have a crispy crunch and distinct flavor. With many varieties to choose from, there’s a pick for every person’s preference.
In fact, the condiment isn’t just beloved – it’s celebrated in many cultures. For example, in the United States, every Nov. 14 is known as “National Pickle Day.” Additionally, in Germany, an ornamental pickle is often hidden on a Christmas tree as part of the holiday celebrations, and the person who finds it typically receives an extra present.
Love them or hate them, pickles serve as a popular side, standalone snack, or cultural tradition. But what if humanity’s fascination with pickles goes a bit further? What if…people are a lot like pickles, too?
When creating the perfect pickle, cucumbers are added to a specially created marinade or brine to soak up the surrounding seasoning or spices. Similarly, our lives soak up our “marinade” (environment) based on the “ingredients” (mindset and community) we select. That’s why it’s crucial to stay in step with God: we need to know how to pick the right recipe, otherwise our brine might turn out to be more sour than sweet.
Identity in Christ
We’ve all met a “sour pickle person.” Originally starting full of flavor and zest for the Lord, this is the believer who gets disillusioned and worn out by the trials of life. Whether it’s through unforeseen life circumstances or intentional personal choices, Christians often start believing lies that taint their brine with bitterness.
Unfortunately, if we sit in this state long enough, it’ll eventually wear away at our intrinsic beliefs: our identity, our worth, and our God-given purpose. It can even keep us trapped in destructive cycles of bondage, defeat, isolation, or addiction. The more we pull away from God’s plan for us, the more we leave our biblical community behind and forget who we are in Christ.
God wants us to create a “marinade” with Him so that we’re steeped in His goodness, grace, and purpose for our lives [Jeremiah 29:11]. However, the enemy of our souls has a sneaky way of slipping sour ingredients into our recipe. Oftentimes, our brine turns into a spiritual battleground as we struggle to steady our souls.
However, there’s a crucial difference between people and pickles, and it’s one the enemy would love for us to forget:
God is for us, and He’s given us the free will to change our life’s recipes and relationships.
We, as believers, have access to the power of Christ through His finished work [Romans 8:11]. Our new identity is found in Him:
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” – 2 Corinthians 5:17 [NIV]
Making this the foundation of our lives helps us to fulfill our God-given purpose and prevents us from turning into “sour pickle people.”
How to meditate on God’s Word
Here’s the truth: What you believe in your heart determines both who you are and who you will become [Proverbs 23:7]. What’s more, you are who you surround yourself with [Proverbs 12:26]. Where you set your focus, and who your community is, will ultimately determine the outcome of your life.
When we stay centered on what God says about us in His Word, we start aligning our souls with His spiritual reality. It’s often easier said than done, especially when we find ourselves “in a pickle” or burdened down with an identity crisis. In those moments, it’s okay to pause, take a breath, and ask God for His strength. He wants us to fulfill our purpose. He wants us to sit and soak in His goodness. All we need to do is take that first step towards believing the truth.
When we believe what’s true, our lives align with the reality found in God’s Word. That’s why creating a daily devotional rhythm that includes time in prayer, thanksgiving, and communion with Him makes a difference. Starting small with a 5-minute moment of reading, or a daily challenge to memorize one verse about your situation, can align your perspective with His.
Here are a few Bible verses on identity and purpose to get you started:
- “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” – Colossians 3:12 [NIV]
- “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” – Ephesians 2:10 [NIV]
- “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” – Psalm 139:14
- “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” – 1 John 3:1 [NIV]
- “So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir.” – Galatians 4:7 [NIV]
- “For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants.” – Isaiah 44:3 [NIV]
By sitting at His feet and choosing to engage with biblical community, you’ll be empowered to fulfill God’s calling for your life.
Jesus isn’t scared of the current state of your “pickle brine.” He just wants you to let Him into your life. When you do, He’ll be ready and waiting to hand you fresh, life-giving ingredients for your marinade so your soul can soak in the sweetness of His love.
