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This week's focus: Identity in Christ

Years ago, I read an account about a powerful businessman who was upset that his flight kept getting delayed. He arrogantly cut in front of a long line of passengers and snarled, “Do you have any idea who I am?” Without missing a beat, the frazzled ticket agent spoke into her microphone and asked, “Attention, we have a man at gate 12 who doesn’t know who he is; is there anyone who can help?”

I’ve always remembered that story for two reasons: One, I wish I could think as fast on my feet as the ticket agent did; and two, the importance of the businessman’s question.

In the New Testament, the apostle John always referred to himself as “the disciple whom Jesus loved.” I used to read this and wonder, “Does he think he’s the only one whom Jesus loved?” The title he gave himself seemed vain to me, but not to the Lord. If the Holy Spirit inspired John to record his preferred title six times in scripture, then I believe He wants us to follow John’s lead. The more I thought about it, I realized this world would be a better place if we all believed that we were the one whom Jesus loves. When we remind ourselves of who we are, it strengthens us to make better decisions and motivates us to love others as Jesus loves us.

We honor Jesus when we, like John, understand that we are chosen, forgiven, redeemed, adopted, seen, known, and loved.

If we choose to believe that God’s love doesn’t apply to us individually, we put ourselves in the enemy’s crosshairs. We become easy targets the moment we stumble (and we all will on this side of eternity). Satan will mockingly ask the question, “Who do you think you are?”

If we can’t answer with the truth of what God’s word says about us, we will believe the lies the devil spews.

However, when you truly believe that you are the one whom Jesus loves, you can confidently respond, “I am a forgiven child of Almighty God who loves me so much that He sent His only Son to die on the cross for me to cover all my sins; past, present, and future.” Declaring this truth will set you free from the condemnation that draws you away from God and allows the conviction of the Holy Spirit to draw you close to Him. Scripture reminds us, “The godly may trip seven times, but they will get up again" (Proverbs 24:16 NLT).

With this in mind, may we be secure in the knowledge of how much God loves us; so much so that when we see a brother or sister in Christ having an identity crisis, let us be the ones to remind them of who they are.

By Jennifer McAlister, Communications, My Faith Votes