In the past, I have defined myself based on roles, performance, failures, what other people think. I have used words such as:
- Daughter
- Mother
- Wife
- Student
- Busy
- Talker
- (Insert Job Title Here)
- Liar
- Failure
However, the more I study the Bible, the more I learn that I am not defined by what I do, what I have done, what I am going to do. I am not defined by my failures and mistakes. I am not defined by my job. So, who am I?
I am Righteous, Holy, Loved, Complete, Perfect, Acceptable, Blameless, Loving, Joyful, Peaceful, Patient, Kind, Good, Gentle, Faithful. Further, I am Redeemed, Forgiven, Covered in Grace. (See: Ephesians, Romans, Colossians, Corinthians, Hebrews, Galatians)
I am not all these on my own. No one could be. I am a Child of God, with my identity defined by the one who made me. The same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead lives within me, and by continually surrendering and renewing my mind I rely on the Spirit to transform me.
When I am consumed with doubt, self-condemnation, the cycle of my mistakes playing on repeat in my mind, loneliness, or brokenness, I reflect on who I am, who I am called to be and realign my thoughts with what God says about me. There is an indescribable peace that accompanies the knowledge that the truth about me is always what God says--not what anyone else says, not what I think, but what God says.
In His Love,
F....
Oh my gosh, girl! So good! Just what I needed to hear today:) Love ya!
ReplyDeleteI am a child of God, reborn by the blood of The Savior, and a temple of His Holy Spirit. I am a princess with a home in His eternal Kingdom.
ReplyDeleteAnd writing this is so humbling, because I know I don't deserve it.
so wonderful to realize that all of the things we do and think do not define us--only God's mercy--wonderful post
ReplyDeleteRight on. If I didn't know better, I'd say you stole one of my sermons. I am a child of God. No more, no less. We get caught up in names and labels to the extent that it affects our day-to-day behavior. I learned the hard way not to worry what other people think about my behavior, only what God thinks. Now I'm teaching it to my kids and it's probably the best value I can instill in them.
ReplyDeleteHahahha!! No stealing, I promise!! The only opinion that matters is God. That's refreshing, yet so counter-cultural. Again, love your input Joe! Fantastic lesson to teach the next generation!!
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