But to all who did receive Him, who believed in His name,
He gave the right to become children of God.
John 1:12 (ESV)
Series: Games People Play
Picture this scene: You are at a friend’s party, a church social, or your home enjoying a family game night. Suddenly, someone slaps a post-it note on your forehead and you are introduced to the game, “Who Am I?” The rules of the game are fairly simple. Someone comes up with names of individuals, real or fictional, and writes those names on post-it notes. Those little pieces of paper are then attached to the participants’ foreheads without them seeing the name. Players then take turns asking each other yes or no questions with the goal of trying to figure out who they are. The person who guesses correctly first is the winner.
Have you ever asked yourself: Who am I? There are so many people, places, and things from which we can form our identity. You might get words stuck, not on, but in your head about who you are. Words like ashamed, unloved, unworthy, and hopeless may have found their way deep into your heart and mind through your relationships and experiences. Even though the lies might be as obvious to others as a bright pink post-it note on your forehead, you can’t see them for the deceptions they are. You believe the lies and question your value to God and others.
The Bible tells us our Creator uniquely made and intimately knows us. We don’t have to question our worth or try to be like someone else. What a relief! We can stop the exhaustive striving and let go of our insecurities. God made us who we are and gave each of us gifts for the purpose of serving Him and making His name known.
“For You formed my inward parts; You knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are Your works; my soul knows it very well.” Psalm 139:13-14 (ESV)
“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10 (ESV)
Often in a casual social situation, a new acquaintance will begin a conversation with the question, “What do you do?” Sometimes we base our identity on what we do for a living or how we spend our time. While those things are important in shaping our lives, they may change in a heartbeat. Downsizing at our workplace, an accident, or a diagnosis can throw our life into chaos. If our identity is based on shifting things, we are living on shaky ground. God’s word tells us that anyone who follows Jesus is like a wise man who builds a house on solid rock.
“Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock.” Matthew 7:25 (NLT)
In Christ Jesus, we are His children through faith. Our identity in Christ is not based on things we do, but on what He has done for us. Romans 5:8 tells us that God showed His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
There are so many truths in Scripture that affirm your identity. You are chosen, a new person, forgiven, loved, cared for, complete, and have a purpose. We pray you believe these promises because God’s word is flawless and trustworthy.
Finding your identity in Christ instead of in what the world says about you is a game-changer! Unlike the game “Who Am I,” you won’t have to ask others countless questions to find out who you are. You only have to look to Jesus and declare: I am a child of God.
Holding Fast to Hope,
Linda
Scripture References: John 1:12; Psalm 139:13-14; Matthew 7:25; Ephesians 2:10; Romans 5:8