Jan. 9 Devotion:Who You are in Christ

WHO YOU ARE IN CHIRST

14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

Have you ever asked someone “Who are you?” It sounds like a simple question requiring a simple answer, but it really isn’t. For example, if someone asked me, “Who are you?” I might answer, “Lawrence Longworth.”

“No, that’s your name. Who are you?”

“I’m an American.”

“No, that’s where you live.”

I could also say that I’m six feet two inches tall and a little over 220 pounds of solid muscle—and for those that know me, well now that would just not be true, at all. However, you see my physical dimensions and appearance aren’t me either. If you took off my arms and legs, would I still be me? If you transplanted my heart, kidneys or liver, would I still be me? Of course! Now if you keep taking things away, you’ll get to me eventually because I’m in here somewhere. The TRUTH is, who I am is far more than what you see on the outside. We tend to identify ourselves and each other primarily by physical appearance (tall, short, stocky, slender) or by what we do (plumber, carpenter, nurse, engineer, clerk). Furthermore, when asked to identify ourselves in relation to our FAITH, we usually talk about our doctrinal position (Protestant, evangelical, Calvinist, charismatic), our denominational preference (Baptist, Presbyterian, Methodist, Catholic), or our role in the church (Sunday school teacher, choir member, deacon, usher).

The question, “is who you are determined by what you do”? or “is what you do determined by who you are?” That’s an important question, especially as it relates to Christian maturity and growth. I believe and hold true to the latter. I believe wholeheartedly that your hope for growth, meaning and fulfillment as a Christian is based on understanding who you are–specifically your identity in Christ as a child of God. Your understanding of who you are in Jesus Christ will greatly determine how you live your life. My Christian friend, do you know who YOU are in Christ? What has HE called YOU or asked you to do? Now that you know you are HIS, it would benefit you and everyone around you if you lived today and the rest of your days as a child of the King! Hallelujah! If you don’t know, maybe find some time today alone with HIM, and yield yourself and all that you are and surrender completely. It’s my hope today, that you find everything you need in Jesus, knowing you are complete IN CHRIST.

Bro. Lawrence Longworth Isaiah 61:1 “the opening of the prison to them that are bound;”