When you attend a social event, one of the first things you are asked in a casual conversation is, “What do you do for a living?” What they are really asking is, WHO are you? We often equate our vocation with our identity. I work at…, or I’m a…, becomes our identifier, our self qualifier not based on who we are but on what we do. We are not what we do; we are who God says we are, and that, quite honestly, is beyond amazing! As people created in the image of God (Genesis 1:26-27), and followers of Jesus, we have a new nature, a new life purpose, and a new identifier; our lives are now “hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3).

When we embrace the fact that as a follower of Jesus, we have a new identity, are called by God himself as his masterpieces, his dearly loved children, a son or daughter of the King of Kings, and his inheritance, it is not only humbling but it also makes you want to dance with joy. In a world that tries to shape us into its false image, we can rejoice that we, as image bearers, have the characteristics of our Creator. Trusting who God says we are lays the foundation for maturity. We have been given access to God’s power and authority, we are creative humans, we can love unconditionally, forgive others readily, walk in victory, and experience his joy in the midst of temptation and suffering. It is why our life purpose isn’t based on what we do or what we hope to do but on who we are as God’s prized possessions.

The questions we need to often ask ourselves are: Am I believing what is true about me, what God says is true about me, and how am I living out of who God says I am? Once we begin to live in our true God-given identity, our purpose and calling, our lives and those around us will never be the same. We will find ourselves living victoriously, joyously, fulfilled, and pleasing to God. We will produce the fruit that Jesus says reveals that we are truly his followers. A healthy response and a more accurate response to the question, who am I? Is “ I am greatly loved by God,” “I am a person already deeply pleasing to God, based on what Jesus has done for me.” “I am made in the image of God, which makes me special, His masterpiece!” This is the beginning of who you are! Now you get to live your life out of who you are, and that is beyond exciting!