Identity: The condition of being oneself or itself, and not another. (Dictionary.com)

Or according to Webster: The distinguishing character or personality of an individual”.

We are living in a culture that is heavily persuading us to believe that our identity comes from “what we do” or “our position in society”. Admittedly, in my teens and young adult years I chased after the very things I thought would give me great definition, those very undertakings that I now see as running after foolish goals.

As I’m moving through my study on “The Sabbath”, this week’s teaching focused on “identity”. Too often, we define ourselves as “what we do”–teacher, office worker, physician, engineer, accountant, software analyst, bus driver, research technician, architect, finance officer…the list of professions and employment opportunities is quite extensive. EVERY job or career has value and holds potential for great personal growth and satisfaction. Yet, the results of reaching personal goals is not how God defines you or me. On the contrary, He isn’t interested in what you “do” regarding employment; He’s after your heart. He wants you to identify as His child when you come into a relationship with His Son, Jesus Christ.

We read about the Hebrew nation in the Old Testament Book of Exodus who were living under Egyptian rule, making bricks during long work days. If we were to apply the world’s definition of finding identity in “work”, then we could say the Israelites were brick builders. Indeed, that’s the work they were doing, but it isn’t an accurate description of their worth and value to God. In His eyes, they were His people and eventually their freedom comes out of miraculous events by raising up Moses and his brother Aaron to lead them from captivity. 

I need to fully understand, and so do you, that “God’s work isn’t defined by His work” (Walking the Text, Brad Gray) Furthermore, you and I are “not our work”…”you are not what you produce”.

If I were to apply my former thoughts of who I was in my 20s and even up to now at age 70, and also factor in a variety of jobs I held, well my identity list would look like this: Children’s Zoo Employee *Receptionist *Administrative Assistant *Management Trainee *Office Clerk *School Board Member *Direct Sales Rep *Serving Roles at My Church

A good read to further cement an understanding that believers in Christ are sons and daughters of God can be found in the book of Galatians, specifically chapter 4. Honestly, I had been feeling flat in my relationship with God for a few weeks. Although I stayed committed to reading scripture, praying and serving, I felt empty until my own pastor taught from this chapter last week. If you’d like to hear his message you can find Fowlerville UB Church sermons on our Facebook Page or YouTube. (Look for Sept. 1, Pastor Eric Griffon)

It breaks my heart–and I can trust it hurts God too–that too many people are getting caught up in false identity definitions. It’s time we find worth and value in what God says about us and not our culture’s loud voices bombarding us with lies. So,  who does God say you are? Here’s a few definitions straight from scripture to encourage you:

• You are His beloved child
• You are chosen
• You are a holy temple
• You are made in His image
• You are valuable
• You are His friend
• You are forgiven
• You are redeemed

What I didn’t tell you earlier in this week’s column, that when I was a little girl watching Saturday morning television, Roy Rogers was my hero. I wanted to grow up and be like him. My dream didn’t last long when my hopes of getting a horse were shattered because after all–we lived in the city! In junior high I had great aspirations to become an author. So far I’ve had fun and privilege writing for personal enjoyment and teaching Bible studies over the years. The latter is PART of “what I do” but it doesn’t define who I am.

Hello, my name is Susan, and I’m a daughter of the Most High God. My decision to follow Christ 45 years ago redefined my identity. What He did for me He can do for you! If you’d like to know more about having a relationship with God, please call my church office at 517.223.9490; they will put you in contact with me.