"But now, this is what the LORD, your Creator says, O Jacob, And He who formed you O Israel, "Do not fear for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine!" ~Isaiah 43:1
Identity. Over the weekend I became painfully aware of the significance of this word. I have a personal Facebook page as well as a Facebook business page for my counseling and coaching ministry. Unfortunately, my account was compromised beyond repair over the weekend. I contacted Facebook and submitted my driver’s license to prove that I am indeed who I say I am. It soon became apparent that my best option was to start over and create a new page. I even decided to use Pamela rather than Pam for my new account.
Identity. How can we ensure others know who we really are? Not just in the realm of Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter, but in our interactions with them. If we identify ourselves as Christians do we look at life any differently than the rest of the world? When things don’t go our way ~ the job offer doesn’t come; the doctor’s report is less than favorable; our close friend disappoints us ~ how do we react? Do our words, demeanor, and actions reflect who we profess to be?
The truth is we don’t always get it right. Sometimes we lose our temper and words fly out of our mouth before we can hit our internal pause button. In a difficult moment our actions can reveal the darkness that resides in all of us. As Christians this can leave us feeling defeated, guilty, and disappointed in ourselves.
This is when we can take a step back and remember whose we are. Once we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we are a new creation in Him. We will still make mistakes; we are not perfect. However, since we are His masterpiece ~ a beautiful work of art in process ~ we can acknowledge our shortcomings, our failures, our sin. Then, we can move forward, secure in the knowledge that our identity is found in our relationship with Jesus Christ. And… He will never condemn us. He also will not ask for our driver’s license. Instead, He will gaze lovingly into our soul and whisper, “You are mine.”