We’ve been covering quite the interesting and important topic recently…the
question: Who are we?
Behind our favorite musicians, the type of clothes we wear, and our
favorite colors, it is important for us to go deeper into understanding who we
are and why we’re here. The way you answer this question will decide how you
live.
Though it seems easy to fill out a bio on our Twitter or Instagram
accounts, major identity issues are experienced by many around Jr. High and
High School years. People often feel worthless, prideful, closed-off, bored, on
their own, purpose-less, and confused. The world around you may offer you value
or attention only if you fit into its box (wear the “in-style” clothes, have
the “in-style” friends, talk about the “in-style” things, like the “in-style”
bands, etc.), and many people buy into this and are hurt by it. God has a
different story…
You are:
>God’s Masterpiece: You were created in God’s image as His
masterpiece (Ephesians 2:10). Check out Genesis 1-2 to find out about the value
that isn’t based on what you do/don’t do or what friends you have/don’t have.
You have incredible value formed into your very skin! So, understand your value
and live in light of it!
>Dependent Sinner: You turned away from God and are dependent on
Him for help (1 John 1:8-9). Check out Genesis 3 to find out about how we have
this tendency to turn away from God. Though we are His masterpieces, let’s
admit we’ve got problems and turn to God for His help!
>Under Construction: You are a work in progress as God works with
you and in you to shape you more and more into the image of Jesus (Philippians
1:6). Check out Philippians 3:12-15 to hear Paul write about the journey he is
on with God. God doesn’t want to leave us in our problems, He wants us to
follow Him on this exciting adventure of improving and becoming more and more
like Jesus each day!
>A Piece of the Puzzle: You are a part of a much larger community,
you are not alone (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12). Check out 1 Corinthians 12 to hear
about “the body of Christ”, the community that must work together to function
correctly. We were not designed to be alone, and the story is not all about us,
we are one part of a bigger story and a bigger mission. Let’s live like it isn’t
all about us, being sure to turn to others to build up and be built up!
>An Ambassador of the King: You have a mission that is so much
bigger than you (Matthew 28:18-20). Check out 2 Corinthians 5:17-20 to hear
about the incredible mission we have to help “reconcile” the world back to God.
Following Jesus isn’t just about our own salvation, it is about sharing Jesus’
love all around the world. Let’s remember that our identity is not just who we
are, but what incredible things God has for us to do for Him!
I hope we can continue to find our identity in God’s story, building a
foundation that will hold no matter the storms ahead.
-Brandon
For all of you commenters out there, a couple questions:
1) If you were to define yourself with a color, a type of food, and an
animal, what would they be?
2) Which one of these topics are you most excited about? Why?
