Our culture is very "title" oriented. In school we were labeled as popular, nerd, athlete, band geek, cheerleader, etc. Most of us couldn't wait to graduate and escape these labels but we soon realized that we just traded them in for different ones. Cashier, businessman/woman, teacher, prayer team member, crafter (maker), runner, wife, mother, working mom, stay at home mom, coffee enthusiast.. I could probably go on forever. Our occupations, hobbies, or ministries label us, and we also allow other people to give us labels. Within a group of friends we might be the loud one or the adventurous one. In the work place there are slackers, over achievers, team players, and back stabbers. We can let others tell us that we're amazing or that we will never be good enough.
If we're not careful we can let these titles and labels shape who we are and who we become. But, if you've never heard it before, let me be the first to tell you that none of these things define you or give you your identity. Your identity can only be found in the one who created you, your Father, your Lord, your God. God knew you before the earth was formed. He knit you together in your mother's womb. Not only that, but He saw fit to redeem you from your sin nature and give you a new identity in Jesus Christ.
God is into names; have you noticed? He is the I am. The Most High God (Genesis 14:18-20), Provider (Genesis 22:13-14), Our Shepherd (Psalm 23:1), Our Righteousness (Jeremiah 23:6). He is Jesus Christ, Emanuel, God with us (Matthew 1:23). God understands the power that is in a name and how it relates to our identity in Him. We see the significance of this when Jesus gives Simon the name of Peter, the rock on which He will build His church (Matthew 16:18). I mean that is a pretty significant name. You see God doesn't just have a plan for your life (Jeremiah 29:11) but, just like Peter, He also has a name for you. Revelation 2:17 tells us that He will "give him a white stone, and a new name written on the stone which no one knows but he who receives it". Isaiah 56:5 says that "To them I will give My house and within My walls a memorial, a name better than that of sons and daughters; I will give them an everlasting name which will not be cut off". That's the name that I want. An everlasting identity that no one else can give me because no one but God knows it. He gives it to me Himself. My identity was created by God and if I let Him reveal it to me rather than let the world tell me who I am, oh my, it is an everlasting one that can never be stopped. Talk about a mighty force for God's kingdom.
If you struggle with finding your identity in the world rather than in the Word, you are far from alone. But, let me encourage you to spend some time with your creator and let Him reveal it to you. If you don't know where to start, I'm going to list some "I am" statements found in scripture. Press in, and let Him label you. It's the only label that you will ever need or want.
Tune in to "Who Are You?" as Kristy and Amanda talk about the struggle of finding their identity in God rather than their titles or circumstances. You can listen on any podcast platform, or on their website at www.thesendhelppodcast.com
I am a child of God: Romans 8:16
I am forgiven: Colossians 1: 13-14
I am a new creature: 2 Corinthians 1:2
I am delivered from the powers of darkness: Colossians 1:13
I am led by the Spirit: Romans 8:14
I am strong in the Lord and in the power of His might: Ephesians 6:10
I am an heir of God and a joint heir with Jesus: Romans 8:17
I am more than a conqueror: Romans 8:37
I am being transformed by the renewing of my mind: Romans 12:1-2
I am the righteousness of God in Christ: 2 Corinthians 5:21
This is just a start, there are so many more of these "I am" statements found throughout scripture. Dive into it on your own and see what God reveals to you.