This topic of identity has come up a lot in recent years. There’s a big confusion regarding seeing ourselves as we truly are. Who would you say that you are? Do you know? Before you list off a bunch of things, let’s take a moment to sit in silence, really take it in, and think about this for a little. If we take away every title, we have. Mother, father, brother, manager, employee, boss, friend, co-worker, nanny, daycare provider, teacher, engineer, programmer, consultant, customer service rep, who do we have?
Yes, I am a daughter, a mother, a wife, a friend. I’m a speaker, a teacher, a hostess, a babysitter, a cook, a writer, and a Christian. But there is more to me. These only represent aspects of the person I am as a whole. And when life strikes, when people hurt me, or things happen that are out of my control, my titles won’t get me through.
No, it’s not my title or my knowledge. Someone else, somewhere, knows more than I do, so it can’t be my knowledge of how to perform and do tasks. So…
The Question That Stumps Us
Who am I? I want to know that the next time I pause throughout my day or find myself in a situation that causes me to reflect on this question, I know the answer. I will believe it wholeheartedly and know that the answer will come quicker than the doubt. Our knowledge and confidence in who we are can help us in our relationships with people and the tasks of everyday life. Let’s dive in together, shall we?
- I am created
- I am loved
- I am chosen
- I am forgiven
- I am an ambassador for Christ
- I can do anything through Christ who strengthens me
God Created Me
(Genesis 1:27) “God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” Verse 28a says, “God blessed them;” You are made by our Creator God! You weren’t something that evolved from one thing to another. You ARE NOT a mistake. He made you and delights in His creation. You were designed and planned. You are like portrait on a canvas, being painted by the Master Painter. Our Master Designer made you!
God Loves Me
In Romans, we see that because God loves us, we have hope. We have a hope that isn’t disappointed because through His love, we can endure anything. “And hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” (Romans 5:5) We are loved. And it is because of this love, we can do things and bring God glory and honor. (1 John 4:18a) “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear….” We don’t have to fear because His love drives out fear.
God Chose Me
(John 15:6) “You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give it to you.” Jesus is very clear in His statement. He chose you and me. We not only have what it takes but we are wanted. What an encouraging thing to hear. We aren’t perfect, but we still have something to offer. And God notices it. We are worthy of being chosen because He makes us worthy. We didn’t have to do anything. He simply wanted us.
Christ Has Forgiven Me
If you don’t believe that you deserve to be forgiven or have been forgiven for things you have said or done, I can tell you that I have been there. It’s a scary place to be in. We will never be able to make up for the horrible things we have done, and some people will never find it within themselves to forgive us. It’s true. But One person’s forgiveness matters, and He does forgive. In Luke 7, we see a woman enter a Pharisses’ house. She knows that Jesus has come to dine there, and what we see is her coming to His feet with an alabaster jar full of expensive perfume. She pours the perfume on Jesus’ feet as she cries and wipes her tears from His feet with her hair, kissing His feet amidst all this. You know what He says? Out of everything He could have said, He chose to speak tenderly and directly to the needs of her heart and soul.
“Then He said to her, ‘Your sins have been forgiven.'” (Luke 7:48)
This woman was a sinner. She had done many wrong things in her life, but Christ forgave her the same way He forgives us. He loves and cares for us very much.
God calls His Ambassador
Just like Paul referred to himself and his companions as ambassadors for Christ for the sake of the gospel and Christ, we too are ambassadors. We represent Christ in our actions and words throughout our everyday life to all people. How we treat others, talk, and do things shows people who is truly influencing our lives.
When we encourage one another, love one another, forgive one another, and spur each other in Christ, we reflect Christ to a people who don’t know Him. When we accept Jesus as Lord and Savior of our lives, He becomes the CEO of our hearts and soul.
“Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.” (2 Corinthians 5:20)
We are who we are because of Christ. And what we do, what we say reflects that. I am a mother because God has given me the ability to love like a mother. I am a teacher because He has molded me to be one. Most importantly, I am a chosen, beloved, wanted child of God. I am me because God made me this way and loved me. I make mistakes and do sin. I am not perfect, but God is helping me through them every day and sticks with me during the process.
