Have you seen this?
In the world of online social networking a person's "user name" is a powerful form of expression. It's the first thing people see before they view our profile or site. People have gone to great lengths to create user names that are unique and reflect their personalities, things they believe in and more. Lately I've noticed a number of women calling themselves, "Anointed Diva" or some form of the same. In their profiles they usually describe themselves as a Christian and a diva.
Also, being saved for quite awhile, and working in a variety of positions (high and LOW) at church, I've seen this word used to describe young girls by parents, teachers and other church leaders because it seems cute. This makes no sense to me. So let me see if I can convince you as to why being labeled a diva is the opposite of what Jesus asks of us! :-)
First, let's establish what a "Diva" is.
According to Wikipedia, "A diva is a celebrated female singer. The term is used to describe a woman of outstanding talent in the world of opera"
Now that may be closer to the "real" definition, but it's definitely not the definition people are talking about when they call a woman a Diva today! To find out what a Diva is let's look at the Urban Dictionary.
Please excuse the language, but this is the truth about a DIVA!
Urban Dictionary:
-female version of a hustler. a true diva will do anything to get what she wants.
-A girl or woman with an exaggerated sense of self-importance. requiring a great deal of attention and excessive effort to maintain beauty, style and image. -A woman who is usually perceived as bitch or self-absorbed, which in some cases they are. A diva is a woman who has self-confidence, self-respect, and hella swagger. She knows who she is and exactly where she is going. Her style and attitude are on point even when she is not trying. -A woman with an attitude who needs to get what she wants. |
Wow, right!?!? When I have a daughter no one better describe her as a diva! Seriously! I'd feel like a failure as a mother and spiritual leader to my child.
If we're baring "Diva fruit" chances are we're walking in the flesh and not in the Spirit. The fruit of a diva and the fruit of the Holy Spirit are completely different! One is about control and self, the other is about putting other people first!
Let's see what the Bible says about Spiritual Fruit; the evidence of God's work in us. The most famous verse about spiritual fruit is Galatians 5:22. In this verse Paul gives us a list of 9 fruit:
love
joy
peace
forbearance
kindness
goodness
faithfulness
gentleness
self-control.
The Message translation says, " But what happens when we live God's way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely."
Let's also see what the Bible says about love in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 The Message,
Love never gives up.
Love cares more for others than for self.
Love doesn't want what it doesn't have.
Love doesn't strut,
Doesn't have a swelled head,
Doesn't force itself on others,
Isn't always "me first,"
Doesn't fly off the handle,
Doesn't keep score of the sins of others,
Doesn't revel when others grovel,
Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
Puts up with anything,
Trusts God always,
Always looks for the best,
Never looks back,
But keeps going to the end.
Love cares more for others than for self.
Love doesn't want what it doesn't have.
Love doesn't strut,
Doesn't have a swelled head,
Doesn't force itself on others,
Isn't always "me first,"
Doesn't fly off the handle,
Doesn't keep score of the sins of others,
Doesn't revel when others grovel,
Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
Puts up with anything,
Trusts God always,
Always looks for the best,
Never looks back,
But keeps going to the end.
In Colossians 3:12-16 The Message we are told to dress in a wardrobe God picked out for us,
"Dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It's your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it."
Now let's see what the Bible says about the deeds of the flesh in Galatians 5:19-20 NIV,
"The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, faction, and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. "
Whoa! Quite a contrast from the fruit of the Spirit, right?!?! Also, go back and read the definitions of a Diva, and then read the deeds of the flesh! Can you see some similarities?
This brings me back to my point. How can the word anointed and diva be used to described the same person? If you are anointed then you have been "dedicated to the services of God". If you are a diva you are dedicated to the services of yourself.
Forget about the word anointed now, how about just being a Christian? How can we describe ourselves as a Christian and a diva? They are complete opposites!
I've heard people defend Christians with a "diva attitude" by saying, "It's just the way they are, it's their personality." So, it's their personality to be self absorbed and mean to other people?
When we come into a relationship with Jesus Christ, He lives inside of us, and changes us! He takes the deeds of the flesh and replaces them with the fruit of the Spirit. Defending and enabling a Christian to continue walking in a "diva attitude" by saying, "it's just the way they are" is a huge disservice to the Body of Christ and to the individual displaying those characteristics.
When we act like Divas, we are not walking in the Spirit, and we are not acting like Jesus! If we are Christians, this should concern us. :-)
In finishing let me leave you with John 15:5 NIV, " I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit."
If we remain in Jesus we will bare HIS fruit, not DIVA fruit!
