Lessons from Criminal Minds

I am fascinated by the television show Criminal Minds.  I love it! I find myself getting so engaged in the story line and the characters, it's like I know them personally. I also love the idea behind the show - that a team of FBI agents can get into the head of a criminal. They can analyze a situation so deeply that they can "profile" a person to the point of knowing where they go, what they do, how they feel and even what will be their next move.  I like most of the characters too; "JJ" is the sweet, quiet, compassionate one who handles the families of victims with kit gloves. "Garcia" is the technical one who is way out there, but very likable. I guess my favorite though is "Dr.Reid/Reid".  He is a genius with a photographic memory and the confidence to speak out with a boldness that makes everyone stop to listen.  

I grew up with a "Dr. Reid". When I was a little girl, into my teen years, I thought my big brother was the biggest and brightest and smartest of everyone.  I remember hearing my parents talk about how smart he was, or about him being the lead in the school play, or singing a solo for a service, or making straight A's, being in the honor's society - I could go on and on. They were proud of him and so was I. As for me, I can remember my parents talking about how pretty I was. While my brother was working hard for all the accomplishments of his life - I was just born "pretty".  What had I done...nothing.  In high school I guess that is when most of my self-doubt and confidence issues became most noticeable.  

When I went off to college, I met the man of my dreams - and guess what?  He too is a "Dr. Reid"!  Very intelligent! High IQ, attended a high school for the gifted student - I guess you could say definitely above average! In no way am I saying that my parents, brother or husband have done anything to make me have self-doubt or low self-confidence, but it was a growing issue for me. I looked at all the people around me and in my mind I seemed so inferior in everything.

Where in the world am I going with this??? Right here...

Today as I was watching an episode of Criminal Minds a statement was made that caught my attention.  To set it up... "Reid" had been having nightmares and they were affecting his ability to do his job well. He began to think that He didn't need to be doing it because he could cause more harm than good. His co-worker and friend, "Morgan", said to him; everything you've experience in your childhood and your life has led you right here. There are so many other professions you could have taken, but this is where you are. Because of that, a criminal has been caught and a life saved. (Patty's paraphrase)

I'm accused a lot of "finding God in everything"; well I did here for sure. "Reid" thought that experiences in his past were clouding his judgment and keeping him from doing his job well, so he almost gave it up. "Reid" had the academic knowledge, all the right stuff to make a good FBI agent, but he was going to give it all up because a small voice in his head was saying "you can't".  

I too have listened to that voice, have you?  It has said to me you don't have enough education; you don't have enough historical knowledge of the Bible; you're too young; you're getting too old; your past sin and behavior is just too much to overcome; you can't serve Jesus.  Listening to the wrong voice in our head leads to doubt, fear and inferior feelings... but listening to God's voice brings a confidence that only HE can give, a peace that only HE can provide and the knowledge that only HE can teach. 

Act 4:13 says; "When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus."

Self-doubt and little self confidence keeps us from serving alongside Jesus Christ. We throw up excuses all the time as to why we "can't" do something.  The verse above has become one that I go to often because I need reminding that God calls us right where we are, and when He calls - He will give us everything we need to accomplish the task He has called us to do. 

You see, it's easy to look at other people, even TV characters, and see things about our own lives that are inferior, we tend to compare. But God has shown me, and continues to teach me that He has given me the natural abilities and gifts that I need to accomplish the calling He has placed on my life. I may not be a "Dr. Reid" with a photographic memory and an IQ that is off the charts - but I do have compassion for others, I do have the gift of encouragement, and I am a good listener.  Every day I get to use these natural, God-given abilities to serve hand in hand with Jesus.

What natural gifts or talents has God given you...

... the gift of beauty?

... the gift of intelligence?

... the gift of photographic memory?

... the gift of testing well?

... the gift of health?

... the gift of compassion?

How is He asking you to use this precious gift to glorify Him?

Have you said "yes"? 

I choose to say "yes", and I want to speak with confidence and boldness like "Dr. Reid" because I've got something very important to say and I want people to stop and listen! 

"So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." 1 Corinthians 10:31