How do you view yourself? When you're getting to know someone new what words do you use to describe yourself? When you look in the mirror what thoughts come to mind? Like most people when I meet someone for the first time I have a propensity to tell them what I do for a living, or what ministry in church I serve in. While these things are great, and good works, they don't define me. When I look in the mirror the answers of my worth aren't found there either, but where I can find the truth about who I am, and what I'm worth is from the One who created me. You see society has many labels, and many voices that would like to tell you who you are, what you should look like, who you should emulate, and what new products will make you feel better about yourself. But if you listen long enough, you'll find that those voices are filled with confusion, and you'll find that those things don't really satisfy. The place where we can learn about our true identity is in God's word: the Bible. He has a lot to say about who He created us to be, who we are in Christ, and how He sees us. 2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold the new has come." So, God's word shows us that because Jesus died for the remission of our sins, God sees us as a new creation; He's no longer holding our sins against us. So if God has forgiven us so totally and completely shouldn't we also forgive ourselves? Are you a believer yet held captive by past sins and shames? Is the accuser reminding you day and night of just how much you don't measure up? Let today be the day that you decide to let those chains fall, and walk in the light of God's truth instead. You see we are the body, and each member is important, and we can't help others or walk in our purpose if we are loaded down with guilt and shame. Psalm 103: 12 ESV"As far as the East is from the West, so far does He remove our transgressions from us." Our Lord is gracious, and full of mercy. A reminder of this is found in John 21 where we see Jesus ask Peter if he loves Him, and gives him the opportunity to answer in the affirmative. This occurs after Peter had previously denied Jesus three times. In my opinion this is Jesus restoring Peter, who must have been feeling torn up with guilt and shame, and not only does He restore Peter but He also gives him his purpose. "Feed my lambs." Jesus commands, then again "Tend, my sheep." and finally "Feed, my sheep." Purpose is so important, without it we see that Peter went back to his previous profession of catching fish, but with Jesus' words burning in his heart, and with a known purpose and true identity we see him boldly begin to proclaim the gospel in the book of acts. Beloved God knows the things from your past that still bind you, but it is for liberty that He came to set the captives free.
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