When asked to introduce himself to the group, a man once said, “I’m nobody. Just skip me.” He hunched down in his seat and never said another word the entire meeting.
The way we see ourselves is important. It affects everything we think, say, and do. Chris Tiegreen says, “Your behavior flows from your perception of who you are.”
While growing up, I often heard the following in Christian circles: “I’m just an old sinner saved by grace.” The problem with that mindset is that it causes us to live under the label of sinner. If we’re not careful, we will continue to sin, thinking we really don’t have a choice in the matter.
The truth is we were sinners saved by grace. We are no longer sinners. When we accept Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, we become a redeemed child of the most high God. Clothed in His robe of righteousness. Sealed by the Holy Spirit. A new creation. Seated in heavenly places in Christ. A king, priest, and ambassador for the Lord. Our name is written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. We are loved, accepted, and free to be all He created us to be.
Why would we want to continue to sin or even label ourselves as a sinner?
Tiegreen also says, “Do you think you’re a loser? You’ll act like one. The world doesn’t need more half-hearted, disappointment-filled, wish-I-could-be-better people. It needs people who know who they are—people who are thoroughly confident in who God has made them to be and how He is shaping them.”
Some people spend a lifetime trying to find themselves, searching for their identity. Their place. Their purpose. Our true identity can only be found in the One who knows us best and loves us most. No one else’s opinion counts—not even our own. We are who God says we are. Period.
There is no such thing as a nobody in God’s kingdom. He sees each one of us through eyes of love and approval. We’re not perfect, but when we mess up, He forgives. And forgets.
If you’re struggling to find your true identity, get in the Word and talk to the Lord. He is ready to show you the real you.
(Photo courtesy of pixabay.)
(For more devotions, visit Christian Devotions.)
Andrea Merrell is an award-winning author and professional freelance editor. She is an associate editor with Christian Devotions Ministries and was a finalist for the 2016 Editor of the Year Award at BRMCWC and the 2018 Excellence in Editing award by the Christian Editors Network. Andrea is a graduate of Christian Communicators and was a finalist in the 2015 USA Best Book Awards and the 2018 Selah Awards, as well as a semi-finalist in the 2018 ACFW Genesis contest. She has been published in numerous anthologies and online venues, teaches workshops on writing and editing, and is the co-founder and regular contributor to www.TheWriteEditing.com, a blog designed specifically for writers. Andrea is the author of Murder of a Manuscript, Praying for the Prodigal, and Marriage: Make It or Break It. Contact her at www.AndreaMerrell.com.