Who Am I?
If someone was to ask you who you are, you might respond with some common descriptions by sharing your name, interests, ethnicity, if you are male or female, young or old, quiet or loud, tall or short, etc. Yet you could spend a lifetime describing yourself and still have unanswered questions. Who am I? What is my purpose? Why am I here? What is my value? Where do my desires come from? Is there meaning to my life? These are questions that philosophers and religions have attempted to answer through all of human history. The recent culture shifts to become more supportive of self-identification has led theologians in recent years to conclude that the topic of identity is the greatest issue facing our next generation. These questions are essential for us to answer because what we believe about ourselves influences every way we choose to live.
Two weekends ago we had a group of 32 people from our youth ministry attend a student apologetics conference just outside of Seattle. The theme was “Man or Maker”, and the main question the conference attempted to answer is “Who am I?” Should you listen to man, or should you listen to your maker? Our students wrestled with arguments from both sides. They were shown reasons why the Bible can be trusted and why the good news of Jesus Christ is best for our lives! I was so encouraged by the truth our students were able receive over the weekend and the distinctions made between Scripture and the messages from our world.
It is the best news to know Jesus is the one who gives us our identity! Think about it for a moment. If I was the only one who had authority over who I am, I would run into a constant cycle of discouragement and confusion. I make decisions daily that I look back on and second guess or do not fully agree with. Putting myself in a position of authority over my own life can never lead to ultimate security or satisfaction.
This week are you finding your identity in what man says or what your Maker says? As Christians we have the gift of being defined by the Creator of the universe who sent His Son to redeem us to Himself! Scripture teaches that in Christ you have been made new (2 Cor 5:17). You are deeply loved by God, and there is nothing in all of creation that could separate you from His love (Rom 8:38-39). You have been completely forgiven (Ps 103:12). And you have been given an eternal hope that far surpasses any earthy reward (Phil 3:14)! I am praying the truth of God’s Word will define and guide each of us this week as we seek to follow Him!
Jacob Abrahamson
Youth Pastor
ἡμῶν γὰρ τὸ πολίτευμα ἐν οὐρανοῖς ὑπάρχει