A common malady of humankind is living from a false sense of self, not having an identity grounded in truth. Our identity is not our uniqueness. Identity is the foundation on which we build our uniqueness. Jesus said we are loved, chosen, called his friends and appointed for a purpose. Paul, in his letter to Galatia, said it like this:

⁴But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. ⁵God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children. ⁶And because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, “Abba, Father.” ⁷Now you are no longer a slave but God’s own child. And since you are his child, God has made you his heir.

Galatians 4:4-7

How would you answer this question: Who are you?

Most of us begin by giving details about our jobs, families of origin, spouse, accomplishments, degrees, positions — the things that we can do. Very few would begin with this statement:

I am a redeemed child of God, adopted into His family, filled with His Spirit, an heir with a place at the table.

This week I want to share some examples from scripture of people who didn’t see themselves like God did and how that impacted their life. I will also share examples of those who did and how that changed how they lived their life.

For today, who do you say you are? What words run through your mind as identifiers? Who’s voice are you hearing? If it isn’t Father’s words that identify you, are you ready for a change?

For an example of adoption with no rights as a natural born child, dig “It Takes Two” out of the archives and watch the Butkus family scene.