Sept 17, 2019
Good Morning Fellow Travelers,
Read: Psalms 139:1-24
Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. (Psa 139:23-24)
Some of us seem to have an identity crisis. If I were to ask you who you are, you would say, “I am Richard, or Beth, or Ben, or Sylvia.” I would answer you, “That is your name, but who are you?”
“Oh, I am a teacher,” you might respond. No, that is what you do. “I am an American.” That is where you live. “I am a Mennonite.” That is your denominational preference, but who are you?
Our understanding of who we are is vital to our assurance as a Christian. We must know who we are. Jesus said that our fruits will tell others who we are (Matthew 7: 16-20). Our manner of life will define us. It cannot be otherwise. But how important is this question “Who am I?” The ancient philosopher Cervantes said, “Make it thy business to know thyself, which is the most difficult lesson in the world.”
Who am I? As believers in Jesus, we have a renewed sense of identity. We lost our acceptance with God in the fall of man, but that is now restored. Praise God. We now have a restored sense of belonging.
- I am created in God’s image. Genesis 1:66-28.
- I am Christ’s friend. John 15:15
- I have been justified. Romans 5:1
- I am united with Christ through His Spirit. 1 Corinthians 6:17.
- I belong to God. He has purchased me.1 Corinthians 6:20.
- I am a member of Christ’s body. 1 Corinthians 12:27.
- I am a saint. Ephesians 1:1.
- I have been adopted as God’s child. Ephesians 1:5.
- I have access to God. Ephesians 2:18.
- I am redeemed and forgiven. Colossians 1:14.
- I am complete in Christ. Colossians 2:10
Still having an identity crisis? I encourage you to reach out by faith to claim the riches of your inheritance. Best you do that right now.
~~ James Baer
