Who are YOU?

Who are YOU?

Throughout our lives impressions are being formed of us! People are keeping a record of who we are and who we have been to them.

Consider it!

When being assessed for a job, the hiring manager requires several references to paint a picture in her mind of who you are in the workplace.

Applying for a traditional college or university you are required to not simply submit your qualifications then be accepted but within your application package there is expected to be a reference from a teacher to validate your academic identity/history and/or a character reference to attest to who you are as a person.

People are preoccupied with the question, "Who are you?" and you ask that same question of the people you meet.

So then.

                    Who are you?

You may be tempted to say your name and to rattle off a wonderful well rehearsed and fine-tuned introduction of yourself! Though you may be please with the little jingle of you you spent real time working on you probably still left out your greater calling; The part of your identity which is not limited by human capacity. You are to be God's symbol on earth. From your actions (your kindness, your encouraging spirit, your compassion, your truthfulness etc.) people are to encounter the heart and mind of God.

Let me share an experience I had.

After standing in a hotel lobby for close to 2 hours as the Customer service representatives dragged their feet to help me. I could feel the anger welling up within me. I wrestled with myself to not reach over the counter to shake the Agent who seemed unaffected by my presence at the desk (that was how annoyed I was - covers face). I had to ask God repeatedly to help me stay calm and inside I knew I was not doing a good job but God had helped me to keep my mouth shut and my attitude in check. 

At the end of 2 hours the supervisor came to the front desk to do something and realized I was still standing there. With much urgency she took over and started to assist me. In no time all the issues with confirming my room had disappeared and holding my room key and about to finally step away from the desk she says to me, "You must be a Christian! You have been standing for so long and you have been so patient. You have not complained once". I smiled and acknowledged that I am a Christian and walked hurriedly to my room thanking God for having kept my lips sealed. For He alone knew what was going on in my head. He alone also knew that there was someone watching me who was going to be touched by my patience; someone who He was giving the opportunity to see how His presence in someone's life could bring positive results.

In general people spend time trying to perform for people who are not even necessarily paying attention in an effort to convince them that they are righteous . The people who need to actually 'SEE' God through our actions we miss, because we were only just acting instead of truly being changed of God or yielding to His lead.

                                  Photo by CBS News

"By their fruit ye shall know them"(Matthew 7:16 ASV)

When someone looks at us they should never be confused as to who we are. It should be clear because our lives will show evidence of the Holy Spirit living within us. it should be our aim that our lives be characterized by "love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and temperance" (Galatians 5:22-23).

We should ask ourselves today,  "Who do people say I am? Who would they say I am especially when I don't know they are watching?"

If that answer reveals an identity that does not reflect God then we have to ask God to help us to change that aspect of our personality or to eliminate that behavior so that we might become more like Him. 

Are you prepared to do whatever it takes to change? 

For example: 

a) Reading God's word more 

b) Practicing behaviors and principles found in His word 

c) Speaking with Him daily 

d) Surrendering your will to His

I am asking God each day to work in me and to help me to yield to His work in my life as he changes me from the inside out!

Scripture Reference: "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven" Matthew 5:16 (KJV)  

Let us Pray

*Search me oh Lord

Know my heart today

Try me oh Savior

Know my thoughts I pray

See if there be

Some wicked way in me

Cleanse me from every sin

And

Set me FREE!

*A song that I have known and loved since childhood)

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Until next time,

EJ

Onward & Live IN Purpose