When I think of a monument, I think of the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C. It is a symbol of our country that for me symbolizes unity. I honestly don’t know if there is an actual meaning behind this monument or if the singularity of the monument represents Washington’s first presidency. But, it represents our country to me as we broke away from England, regardless of the intended meaning.

Monuments don’t have to be made just out of marble and stone in order to give meaning. In reality, it’s not the monument itself that is of utmost importance; rather, it’s what the monument represents that is important.

Words and ideas can give just as much meaning to our lives as a physical monument. We are shaped by what we hear, what we believe to be true, as well as physical structures.

So, how do we handle life’s monuments?

1. Look at how it shapes us. Is this monument affecting you emotionally, physically, mentally, or spiritually? What about this monument moves you to change in life? What about it keeps you grounded? What do you do everyday or weekly because of this monument?
2. Look at what it represents to us. It might represent freedom, love, bitterness or hatred to you. Are you moved towards a certain emotion or is a belief deepened when you think about this monument?
3. Look at what it represents to others. How do others view what you see, feel, or believe to be true? Do they stand on the same side of the monument, or are they on the other side seeing a completely different backdrop?
4. Look at what it represents to God. Does this monument conflict with the direction God is leading? Does it take the place of God in your life? Does it add to where God is calling you?

Monuments can be a picture you took after God brought you through a hard time. That picture is a constant reminder that God is big enough to pull you through difficulties. It gives you emotional hope, it represents faithfulness, it probably means very little to others, but it provides you with the courage to move forward when God calls you to move.

Another monument could be an emotional scar. This one was when you chose to disobey and you have physical or mental images of what went wrong. God lovingly wraps His arms around you and holds you when you get to this place. It reminds you that you never want to be back in that place again. It propels you to heal, to forgive, and to do all you can to not get back in that place again.

Then we have the monument of church and devotions. Some of our actions today are blessed or hindered by our abundance or lack of church and devotions in our lives. When others see us standing before the positive moments of church, they see someone who is different from what the world is offering and they are curious to stay around and watch a little longer. When others see us standing before the negative moments of church, they see church as fake, unimportant, and worthless.

Introspection is needed for any and all monuments that come into our lives. We must make sure they serve their purpose and that we keep only those monuments that will propel us to better ourselves.

What monuments are currently in your life? Can you stand to knock a few down? Do you have a few that are in need of repair?

These ideas came from a talk from “The Struggle is Real” by Nicole Unice, you can find her book here.

© 2018 Susan M. Sims

Follow me on Twitter or Facebook.

Looking for a small group Bible study?

Look no further: Being Transparent: With Yourself, God, and Others with the Leader’s Discussion Guide!