Who do you think you are?
 Ciara Lilly is a Charlotte-area writer. Her faith-based column, Fishers of Men, is published here each Monday. Opinions expressed are solely her own. |
Before we proceed, let me add a disclaimer, because that question is rarely posed during moments of reflection. More likely, it’s a question asked during heated conversations after necking rolling and finger snapping has commenced. But that’s not our purpose, so please continue reading.
How often do we ask ourselves that question? More important, how do we answer that question?
I suspect many people would answer with general responses such as: I am a parent, a woman/man, a wife, a husband, etc. Those are all good answers, but there’s one answer that we rarely tap into: I a child of God.
Now, I’m sure that people consider themselves children of God. But notice that I said: “There’s one answer that we rarely tap into.” By that I mean, we call ourselves children of God, but we never unlock what that means, exactly.
Here’s an example: If someone gave me a car and it had no engine or wheels and was sitting in my driveway, I could say, “I have a car!” But that wouldn’t change the fact that I couldn’t drive the car; it’s just there.
Similarly, we may call ourselves children of God, which is great, but if we don’t understand the title, how can we operate in the fullness of that title?
Galatians 6:4-5 states: “Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. Don’t be impressed with yourself. Don’t compare yourself with others. Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life.” (MSG)
As children of God, we have special benefits. It would take me forever to list them all, but here are just a few to help you fully embrace your title:
1. Relationship with our Creator: Hebrews 13:5-6, Romans 8:14-15, 1 Corinthians 12
2. A battle fighter: 2 Chronicles 20:17, Exodus 14:14, Deuteronomy 3:22
3. Permission to live worry-free lives: Matthew 6:25-34, Psalm 55:22, Proverbs 3:5-6
4. Great health: Isaiah 53:4-5, Jeremiah 30:17, 3 John 1:2
5. The ability to reap what you sow: 2 Corinthians 9:6-11, Malachi 3:10-11, Luke 6:38
6. God’s unconditional love: Romans 8:35-39, John 3:16, Luke 15:11-32
7. Grace and mercy: Lamentations 3:22-23, Psalm 103:11, Psalm 23:6
So the next time you’re asked, “Who do you think you are?” whether it’s by a person or circumstance, remember that you’re a child of God, fearfully and wonderfully made, with an arsenal of benefits equipped to help you succeed in every area of your life!
