We hear a lot about identity and self-worth these days. People are searching for meaning and validation. We are wired that way. We want to think that our lives matter.
Most often we turn to other people for that validation and it is natural to think that we can find worth in what others think about us. The problem is, even the best people are inherently selfish. Even with best intentions, we will eventually let one another down. So to put our trust in what others think of us as a basis for our own identity and worth is trust misplaced.
The author of 1 John reminds us of something very important in chapter 3 verse 1. Let his words filter down to your deepest self today:
See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.
We find identity not in what other people think of us but in knowing that as believers in Jesus Christ, we are God’s children! Praise God for this truth – this life-giving truth!
Be blessed today!
shining through but in the midst of the bright sunlight, rain was gently blowing against the glass. While I was looking at blue sky and sunlight, rain was falling.
My initial reaction to his words was one of surprise. The role of the vocational pastor, I smugly thought to myself, is to lead a congregation by spending time daily seeking God’s guidance and reflecting on what God is doing and saying. But even as I write these words here, I feel hypocrisy’s hot breath on my neck. I wish I could say that I live up to the role I just outlined two sentences ago. But the truth is; there is always something to occupy my thoughts. There are pressures both self-imposed and imposed by others that drive my actions and thoughts much of the time.
But Peter finally recognized Jesus. Still a little unsure of himself he said, “Lord, if it is you, tell me to come out on the water.” That makes sense. Peter is trying to make sure that he is right – that this really is Jesus. But I am not sure he expected Jesus to say, “Come.”
also says that we were created for good works in the same passage. This faith we have should be turned loose on the world.
God promises to be with us through all that life hurls our way – why? Isaiah records the words of God saying, “Because you are precious in my sight, and honored, and I love you.”
Clay in the Hands 