Editor's Corner—Who Does God Say You Are?

Here is the article I wrote for the Editor's Corner of my church newsletter. This issue began year 14!

We tend to have a lot of opinions about everything. These opinions also extend to who we think others are. Unfortunately, some of the time, the opinions are slanted in a negative angle and come with judgment. From that viewpoint, recognizing the potential and contribution of others is limited.

We make opinions of strangers based on their race or age. We make opinions of strangers based on how much money we perceive the person does or does not have in the bank. This could be based on what kind of car they drive, what clothes they are wearing, and what side of the tracks they live on (or grew up on).

It’s not only strangers. We hold opinions about our families and friends based on their childhood or past mistakes. Regardless of where they are now, those childhood or young adult mistakes still find their way into the judgment of whom that person is today or who they will ever be in the future.

Truthfully, I say we are in good company. Just look at some of the main people in the Bible. Let’s start with David. We could say that David was an adulterer and a murderer, but if you asked God who David was, that would not be His answer. David was God’s beloved. We could say that Jacob was a liar and deceiver, but if you asked God who Jacob was, that would not be His answer. Jacob was Israel who was triumphant in battle. We could say that Peter was arrogant and rash, but if you asked God who Peter was, that would not be His answer. Peter was the rock in which the foundation of the church was built.

So who does the Bible say you are?

* You are a new creation – 2 Corinthians 5:17

* You are a royal priesthood – 1 Peter 2:9

* You are not condemned by your present or past – Romans 8:1

* You are His workmanship – Ephesians 2:10

* You are a child of God – John 1:12

* You are the righteousness of God – 2 Corinthians 5:21

* You are a friend of God – John 15:15

* You are a citizen of heaven – Philippians 3:20

* You are the salt of the earth – Matthew 5:13

* You are an heir of God – Romans 8:17

* You are chosen by God – John 15:16

In the end, it doesn’t matter who me or anyone else says you are. You have one creator, and He thinks very highly of you. You are who He says you are. So anytime you are feeling inadequate or inferior, remember what God said about you, which can be summed up as this: You are fearfully and wonderfully made! You were made for a purpose that only you can do. It’s time to walk in it.