What Defines You?

For some, their self-worth directly corresponds with their current situation. If they've accomplished something that's praise-worthy they feel deserving of the love of God. If they find themselves in despairing circumstances, even if it is of no fault of their own, they begin to feel worthless and far from Him.

There are also those who have remained trapped by the shame of their past and cannot accept the incredible forgiveness and love of God that comes through the mercy of the cross. Do you know there's nothing you could have ever done to deserve the sacrifice that Jesus made for you? There's also nothing too repulsive for Him to forgive and His blood to cleanse. I'm certainly not a hyper grace minister. I do not believe we can live a life void of relationship with Christ or repentance and still experience His mercy, grace, and eternal life. I do however believe that as we come to repentance, seeking Him and His forgiveness and grace, He will give us the strength to change through the power of the Holy Ghost. 

As we come to the realization of the infinite love of our Savior, we can begin to experience our identity in Him. Who you are in Christ is revealed repeatedly in the Bible. Your calling and self-worth can be found both in those pages and in His presence. Don't judge your value based on what people think, how you feel, your skills, gifting, financial situation, mistakes, or popularity. Your significance is completely based on the amount of love your Creator has revealed to you through the ultimate sacrifice for your life and soul. 

If the enemy can keep you believing that you are not that important or in right standing with God, you will never reach your full potential in Christ. You are significant and necessary to the body of Christ and your purpose cannot be duplicated by anyone else. Find your identity in Jesus and allow the Holy Spirit to anoint you to accomplish your purpose through His strength and giftings. You will become complete in Christ alone and your purpose will be experienced to the extent you are willing to surrender your weaknesses and lack for His power and abundance... your "not enough" in exchange for His "more than enough!" 

He desires to equip you to fulfill your calling. Accept His love and forgiveness, get to know whom you serve through His Word and intimate time in His presence, and He will reveal just how special you are in His eyes.

Psalm 139:13-18 (NKJV) For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well. My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed, and in Your book they all were written, the days fashioned for me, When as yet there were none of them. How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand; When I awake, I am still with You.

Matthew 10:29-31 (NKJV) Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.

Ephesians 2:10 (NKJV) For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Jeremiah 31:3 (NKJV) The Lord has appeared of old to me, saying: “Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you.

1 Peter 4:10-11 (NLT) God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen.