The Best Seat in the House — #TellHisStory
I am so delighted to introduce you to my friend, Heather Holleman. We’ve been writing friends for several years through TheHighCalling.org, and she is author of the new book, Seated with Christ: Living Freely in a Culture of Comparison. ENTER BELOW FOR A CHANCE TO WIN HER BOOK! Her book and her words below are a breath of fresh air. So many women long for the “best seat” when right now, they are seated at the Greatest Table with the Greatest King. Welcome, Heather.
The Best Seat in the House
By Heather Holleman
A single verb in scripture changed everything about me. In Ephesians 2:6, Paul writes, “And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus.” I read this and kept repeating that verb seated. How could Paul feel that he was seated in the heavenly realms when he was writing this truth from his seat in a cold, dark Roman prison cell?
And what did it mean that I was “seated” too?
I knew that I wasn’t living like someone who had a seat at the table. I lived as one fighting for a seat at the table. I wanted the best seat in the house, and that seat came in many different forms: the seat of appearance, the seat of affluence, and the seat of achievement. It never mattered what my circumstances were; I always wanted a different, better seat. I kept waiting for an invitation for the best seat, the seat that would finally bring me life.
If only I were beautiful!
If only I could sit with the wealthy!
If only I could have a seat among the prestigious people!
But when I read that little verb in Ephesians 2:6, Jesus dispelled the darkness and longing inside of me. I read that I was already seated at the Greatest Table with the Greatest King. I had everything I needed right here with Jesus.
Instead of obsessing over my appearance, I could adore the King and radiate His love. Instead of idolizing affluence, I learned that seated people have access to all the riches of God’s kingdom. Finally, seated people stop exhausting themselves with achievement because they simply abide and inevitably live out the “good works prepared in advance” for them to do as promised in Ephesians 2:6.
I could stop fighting for the best seat because I was already there.
My whole family has changed because of this “seated” reality. When my middle school daughter experienced rejection from the popular girls’ lunch table, we read Ephesians 2:6 and knew that God chose her for His royal table. Jesus wanted her there, and she could walk into that lunchroom knowing she was seated at the most important table in the universe. When we battle jealousy or comparison (often on a daily basis), we apply the truth of being “seated.”
Our seat with Jesus is the best seat in the house, and we’re going to live the beautiful life He’s ordained for us. We don’t need to fight to belong or to earn our spots because we’re already at the table.
One quote I often share with my daughters and repeat to myself as I’m driving around in my old minivan and wishing for a different seat is this: “All seats provide equal viewing of the universe.”
This quote comes from the Hayden Planetarium Guide. As the children race into the planetarium for the best seat in the house, the guide calmly says, “All seats provide equal viewing of the universe.” There is no ‘one best seat.’ All seats are the best seats because no matter where you are, you have an equal chance to perceive the beauty of Christ and know His power and presence. Just as Paul knew this secret in the cold, dark prison, I let it settle into my heart that I’m finally in the seat I’ve been waiting for all my life.
Won’t you take your seat with me?
Three-Book Giveaway
Hey friends!
About the book:
Christians find themselves trapped in the rhetoric of platform, influence, retweets, and fame, they need a ladder out of the fray. Many of us live in a prison of self-absorption. Shackled with pride and despair, we compare ourselves to others constantly in our frantic, unending pursuit of perfection.
Seated with Christ gets to the root of this behavior and charts a path to freedom.
Scripture says that God’s beloved are seated with Christ in the heavens (Eph. 2:6), treasured by Him and given a place at His table. Heather Holleman unveils what this means for us. It means we walk out on the fight for acceptance. We quit measuring ourselves to others.We leap free from cycles of shame. Securely-seated people can ask themselves hard questions about their lives; they can deal with sin, grieve their losses, and move forward in hope. From a position of security and self-forgetfulness they can joyfully do the good works prepared for them uniquely. They can even celebrate the successes of others.
Seated with Christ is a deeply personal, liberating look at a glorious truth: that we have a place at God’s eternal table.
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#TellHisStory
Hey Tell His Story crew! It is a joy to gather here every week with you. The linkup goes live each Tuesday at 4 p.m. (CT). If you would use the badge on your blog, found here, that would be great! And if you would visit at least one other blogger in the link-up and encourage them with a comment, that would be beautiful! Be sure to check the sidebar later. I’ll be featuring one of you over there! Our featured writer this week is Devi Duerrmeier. For one of her 31 Days posts, she wrote a beautiful story of a little yellow house thought taught her boys about ebenezers and what they will choose to leave behind. Find Devi here. To be considered as our featured writer, be sure to use our badge or a link to my blog from your post. 🙂 xo Jennifer
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What a beautiful word of truth Heather, wow. We’re already at the table… the one He extended His grace and love-filled invitation to, no strings attached, just provided and promised… I think of the scripture that says He delights in us… anyone who wins a copy of your book will be touched by your words and His truth, I’m sure! Would love to win 🙂
Thank you, Christine!
Great reminder Heather! Would love to win a copy!
I love the planetarium analogy, how true for all of us, heather! And thank you Jennifer for the highlight. I appreciate it.
Devi, I think about that planetarium quote so many time during the day!
Such truth! I would love to win a copy!
This sounds like a lovely book, Heather! I’d love to win a copy and I shared on Facebook :).
I would like to win and I shared on Facebook!
Thank you, Jennifer and Heather. Wow! I never thought about that before – to be already seated at the royal table! This line especially comforts me – “no matter where you are, you have an equal chance to perceive the beauty of Christ and know His power and presence. ” Yes, I would love to win a copy of this book! 🙂
yes – always room for more for the best seat – a beautiful verse and cover and author! thanks for sharing!
We already have the best seat because we are seated with Christ. What a beautiful thought to remind us that we are loved just as we are. Thank you Heather and Jennifer.
The reality of being seated with Christ in the heavens makes all the preconceived notions about having things, being prominent or wealthy go to the wayside. Our eyes must be focused on this fact that we have found the “best” seat to be in His presence. He is already in our spirit and we need to abide in Him and find delight at His table.
Yes!
I would LOVE to win!! 🙂
I shared on Facebook…
I am so glad you shared this book, Jennifer. I just purchased a leather cuff for my brother with “Seated With Him” hand stamped on it. I LOVE THIS, and I need this book!! 🙂
I need this leather cuff! I love that! I’m seated with Him!
I have been questioning my life choices lately and trying to remind myself the path I have taken was the best path for my family and self. That I wouldn’t do it differently. I love this blog about being seated by him because it reminds me he has been right by me this hole journey.
Tracie, I have thought this so many times in the past few years about my life choices. I did think that I was missing out on the life I was supposed to be living! Not anymore: I’m seated and living the life God has ordained for me. I love how you say that Jesus is right by our sides!
Heather,
What a great reminder of how we already have the best seat in the universe…Thanks, Jennifer, for sharing 🙂
Thank you, Dolly.
Heather that is beautiful. What a great reminder to all of us that we have the best seat on the house!!
Thank you, Beth! I need this reminder almost every day.
This sounds like something many women need to read, including me.
This sounds like a wonderful book & reminder! Thank you for introducing me to another good book. I shared on FB & I would love to win 🙂
This is a wonderful truth and reminder! Thank you for sharing!
Oh my Jennifer. Your words spoke directly to me today. I am always fighting my seat or looking at a different one. God is speaking through you today. Thank you, my friend.
Wow … this sounds like a great book! I would love to win a copy. 🙂
I’d love to win a copy!! I’ve been blogging from my kitchen table for years… this book title would fit right in (in so many ways)!
It sounds like a good book. I’ve struggled with comparing myself to others for years. It would be neat to read about how Heather gained victory over this.
This sounds like a fantastic book! I love the idea of sharing this story and scripture with my 13-year-old son. He experiences that hurt because he refuses to be like them and chooses to honor God. It is the perfect affirmation that God is smiling and saving that seat for him 🙂
Blessings and smiles,
Lori
I would LOVE to have a copy of this book, not only for myself but to share with many! Thank you for this opportunity! Ive shared this on FB as well!
I am not on Facebook, so cannot share there, but I would love to win this book! This post makes me so interested to read more. 🙂 Thanks for the opportunity, and God bless!
So excited to read this book! Have been enjoying Live with Flair off and on for a few years and LOVE the nuggets of joy!