Society has a way of labeling and identifying us in a myriad of ways. Language, for instance, can identify a person’s nationality and dialect can isolate a particular region in which a person was likely raised.
How, then, as believers in Jesus Christ are we to be identified? Are we Baptist, Methodist, Lutheran or Non-Denominational believers? Are we Democratic, Republican or Independent believers? Are we Caucasian, African American, Indian or Hispanic believers? Which label is best to wear? One or more of these labels may apply to our lives, but when the sovereign Lord of eternity looks at us He sees only one thing…that we are His child.
John 1:12-13 declares that “all who receive Jesus and believe in His name have the right to become children of God.” All the labels the world attempts to use as identifying marks fade away. Even our nationality fades away at the feet of Jesus. Romans 8:13-17 explains that sinful habits, deeds or thoughts that may be used to identify us, or that we continually punish ourselves over, are brought into submission by the Spirit of God within believers. This is the same Spirit which testifies to our spirit that we are God’s children.
What identifying marks are we willing to lay at the feet of Jesus? Will we continue to be identified by painful experiences, cultural labels, accomplishments, failures, unmet expectations, fears and sins? As believers in Jesus Christ who are led by the Spirit of God we have the power to stop letting the world slap labels on us. Instead we can chose to listen to the Spirit of God declare to our hearts that we are His child! The believer’s identity as a child of God is the only one that will last throughout eternity.
Rest in that truth.
Angela Garrone
CHM Contributor
