Intro: I Am Who You Say I am

One of the first questions we ask upon meeting another adult is “So, what do you do?” This behavior is one of many that highlights our emphasis on vocation. It makes sense, as most adults spend a large percentage of their waking hours engaged in work activities. But we take it too far when we place the core of our identity (our sense of self and our self-worth) in our careers.

Let’s do a quick heart check. Consider if any of these statements are true for you:

• “Work sets the tone for my entire life. A bad day at work is a bad day overall. A good day at work means I’m on cloud 9.”
• “I feel most proud when people compliment me on my professional accomplishments and skills.”
• “It’s most important to me that people see me as successful / accomplished / highly capable.”
• “My ability to make good money and provide for my family is core to my value as a person.”

If any of these statements ring true for you, you aren’t alone and I’m so glad you’ll be joining us. In the coming days, we will explore a Biblical perspective on identity as we untangle a few worldly myths and replace them with scriptural truths.

There are many things in this world that will seek to define us and provide us with a sense of self-worth. 1 John 2:15-17 reminds us we are not to fixate on the fleeting desires of this world. It’s important to consider if we are letting our fellow creation (other people, culture, the world around us, etc.) define us. It is our Creator who assigns identity, worth, and purpose to our lives. In Genesis 1, we are reminded of who our Creator is. The Almighty God put breath in our lungs and His word has much to say about our identity.

Father God, I am who you say I am. Guide me this week in aligning my heart with yours.