Who am I
My child,
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to start your life anew with a completely different set of circumstances? What if you could choose your parents and, in turn, your identity? Some might opt for fame, wealth, power, or royalty. Others would prefer kindness and love above all else. Which would you choose?
I am a father, a husband, a brother, and a friend. I am also a writer. These roles define me, but they are not my true identity.
As a follower of Jesus Christ, I have experienced a rebirth, a second chance at life. So, who am I now? Allow me to share a revelation that has been a source of great joy for me.
I am a child of Jesus Christ, as Matthew West sings in his song, "Hello, my name is."
Hello my name is child of the One True King
I've been saved, I've been changed, I have been set free
Amazing Grace, is the song I sing
Hello my name is Child of the One True King
This newfound identity transcends my earthly roles and attributes. Jesus has deemed me holy and blameless because He paid the ultimate price for my redemption. Imagine being in a courtroom, facing a hefty fine, but Jesus then pays it for you. This act of love and sacrifice reminds me daily of my worth and value. And He didn't just pay the fine; He gave me a new heart and a new life.
With my rebirth, I am a new person, a friend of Jesus, and a citizen of Heaven. I no longer define myself by the things I did or do, but instead by what Jesus has done for me.
There's so much more to say about my new identity, but I'll leave you with lyrics from a song by MercyMe titled "Dear Younger Me." It's a poignant message from an older self to a younger self, expressing regret over not realizing these truths sooner:
You are righteous
You are holy
You are one of the redeemed
Set apart
A brand new heart
You are free indeed
Like the song, I wish I could have understood these truths sooner. But I find peace in knowing who I am now. As Paul told the Corinthians:
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” -2 Cor. 5:17
As you grow and navigate life, remember to reflect on these words. Who are you? And who do you aspire to be?
With all my love,
Dad
Scripture references:
1 john 3:1 NASB - Children of God Love One Another - See - Bible Gateway
Ephesians 1:3-5 NASB - Blessed be the God and Father of our - Bible Gateway
Ephesians 2:10 NASB - For we are His workmanship, created in - Bible Gateway
1 Peter 1:18-19 NASB - knowing that you were not redeemed with - Bible Gateway
Ephesians 1:7 NASB - In Him we have redemption through His - Bible Gateway
2 Corinthians 5:17 NASB - Therefore if anyone is in Christ, this - Bible Gateway
Galations 4:7 NASB - Therefore you are no longer a slave, - Bible Gateway
Philippians 3:20 NASB - For our citizenship is in Heaven, from - Bible Gateway