Your Identity

Have you ever wondered who you are?  What you are here for?  If I was a betting man, I would say yes you have.  Many of you would describe yourself by what you do. For example:  "I am a father," "I am a teacher," or whatever your occupation happens to be.  A person is not defined by what they do.  We are not things and therefore cannot be identified by what we do.  If we are a follower of Jesus Christ, our identity must be found in what He says about us.  Many of us get trapped in thinking we are what we do.  If we are to live up to our fullest potential, we must change our mindset to that of who God says we are.  He says many things about us that are contrary to what we think about ourselves. Even Jesus did not define himself or identify himself by what He did.  His identity was found in who God said He was.  Jesus only repeated what God was saying about Him.  In John 8, He tells those criticizing him that He is not boasting about Himself, but God is saying the things He is saying.  If we are to be like God, and be like Jesus, shouldn't we identify ourselves by what God says about us?

 But you may say "That's easy, I know I am not identified by what I do."  Then I challenge you.  Describe yourself by not using phrases that describe what you do.  You may find that quite difficult.  I have learned that I cannot identify myself by what I do.  If I do, and I lose my job, or career, than I start feeling bad about myself.  If I try and identify myself as such and such a career, and I try to find that career, then I might feel rejected if employers don't hire me.  It is not easy to change your mind set to believe that who you are is not what you do or what you enjoy.

God recently made it clear to me that I was to quit the profession I was in.  So without question, I did.  It was not easy.  It was like stepping off a cliff not knowing if something was there to catch me.  I found that I was identifying myself by what I did.  As I searched for a new job (which at the time of this writing I am still searching) I started to get numerous rejection letters and no interviews.  I started feeling bad about who I am.  I started thinking I was a failure and that I went to school for all the wrong things and that all my past job experience was worth nothing.  I can tell you that is a pretty devastating feeling.  But in the middle of that, God quite clearly told me that my identity is not found in what I do or what education I have.  My identity is found in God alone.  I told Him I know that, but then as I reflected on my feelings and how I reacted to rejection after rejection, not able to find a job, I realized that I have been defining myself by what I do.  I started realizing that I am not that person.  Instead I am who He says I am; nothing more and nothing less.  When I realized that (and it's still sinking in) I discovered that as long as I had Jesus and listened to what He said about me, I could do ANY job and be satisfied.  Do I think I will be digging ditches for a living?  No, I believe God is preparing a job that is perfect for all my education, all my experiences, and my personality.  That is a great relief.  It takes the weight off my shoulders.  I AM WHO HE SAYS I AM!!

Below is a list of who we are if we are a follower of Christ. It includes a scripture for each trait.  Read through them. They just might change your life.

(As a side note, if you click the scripture, it should open a new screen with the reference so you can read what God says about you.  Also, this list can be found at http://www.ficm.org/index.php?command=textwhoamiinchrist )

I am Accepted...
John 1:12	I am God's child.
John 15:15	As a disciple, I am a friend of Jesus Christ.
Romans 5:1	I have been justified.
1 Corinthians 6:17	I am united with the Lord, and I am one with Him in spirit.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20	I have been bought with a price and I belong to God.
1 Corinthians 12:27	I am a member of Christ's body.
Ephesians 1:3-8	I have been chosen by God and adopted as His child.
Colossians 1:13-14	I have been redeemed and forgiven of all my sins.
Colossians 2:9-10	I am complete in Christ.
Hebrews 4:14-16	I have direct access to the throne of grace through Jesus Christ.
	I am secure...
Romans 8:1-2	I am free from condemnation.
Romans 8:28	I am assured that God works for my good in all circumstances.
Romans 8:31-39	I am free from any condemnation brought against me and I cannot be separated from the love of God.
2 Corinthians 1:21-22	I have been established, anointed and sealed by God.
Colossians 3:1-4	I am hidden with Christ in God.
Philippians 1:6	I am confident that God will complete the good work He started in me.
Philippians 3:20	I am a citizen of heaven.
2 Timothy 1:7	I have not been given a spirit of fear but of power, love and a sound mind.
1 John 5:18	I am born of God and the evil one cannot touch me.
	I am significant...
John 15:5	I am a branch of Jesus Christ, the true vine, and a channel of His life.
John 15:16	I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit.
1 Corinthians 3:16	I am God's temple.
2 Corinthians 5:17-21	I am a minister of reconciliation for God.
Ephesians 2:6	I am seated with Jesus Christ in the heavenly realm.
Ephesians 2:10	I am God's workmanship.
Ephesians 3:12	I may approach God with freedom and confidence.
Philippians 4:13	I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.