Who Are We, Really?
An intimate sense of understanding translates into inner depth and strength
All too often we forget who and what we are, what separates us from those who do not have a relationship with the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. I find it helpful to focus on this each day in my devotion as preparation for times of trouble, temptation, or confusion, as a way of centering myself and my response. I ask myself: Who am I? and invite you to do the same as you consider what the Word of God says on the subject.
Our identity - We are sons of God. As such, believers experience God's love and care. He corrects us for our sake when needed and loves us for his and our sake so that the bond between us should never be broken.
But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God (Jhn 1:12)
for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. (Gal 3:26)
For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God (Rom 8:14)
The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, (Rom 8:16)
Our position - We are seated in Jesus. We too often fail to remember that as believers we are seated in Christ. Focusing on that point alone assures and strengthens us, giving us confidence to face the world's trials with the provision imparted to us by our position.
But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ — by grace you have been saved — and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus (Eph 2:4-6)
There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. (Rom 8:1)
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Phl 4:7)
Our authority - To do his will. As sons of God, we can think of ourselves as ambassadors of the king, responsible for declaring his decrees and carrying his message to the world. The note of caution in exercising this role is that we must be certain we are proclaiming and doing the desires of his heart and will, not our own. We must walk our faith in humility before God and integrity before the world.
For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, (2 Cor 10:3-5)
“I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” (Mat 16:19)
Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you. (Tts 2:15)
"This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples." (Jhn 15:8)
Walking in understanding of who we really are offers clarity and purpose when we are tempted to compromise our faith in the face of pressure, temptation, and persecution. If we are not well grounded in the security of our faith, these moments can defeat us. The key is knowing who we are with a certain and intimate sense that translates into inner depth and strength. We are sons of God. We are his personal representatives to the world we live in. We have a first responsibility to him, not to worldly demands or desires. One good way to develop this perspective and discipline is to focus on it in our prayer and meditations. Knowledge of it is the beginning. We must pursue its wisdom, understanding, and character until they become our own.
Shalom