Who Are You?

Recently I had to do that thing which is dreaded.  When you retire and move to another state, you must declare residency and get a new driver’s license.  Getting your cars registered in the new state is also a process.  I have spent a few moments the last few days gathering all the documents that prove who I am: birth certificate, social security card, passport, financial statements, mail from utility companies, etc.  In Florida, I discovered that you must make an online appointment.  During this part of the ongoing process, you begin to process some but not all of the vital information.  It has been over eleven years since I moved from one state to another.

Having to prove you are who you are is, for some, quite unsettling.  Thankfully we have all of the required proofs of identification; even then, it is somewhat daunting.  This exercise in becoming a resident of a new state has gotten me thinking:  Who am I?

I know when and where I was born.  I know that my passport, social security number, and driver’s license somewhat identify who I am.  I know how much money I made last year by my W-2. I know what number my bank has assigned to me, and I know my address and phone number.  So, I know many things about myself, but one thing towers over all of these items:  I am a child of God!  Too often, we find our identity in the definition of the world.  My true and everlasting identity is found in Christ.  I have been redeemed and adopted into His family. I have included five verses, I could have included far more. The choices were nearly endless, but I chose five to help me understand who God says I am.

1. 1 Peter 2:9 ~ “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.“
2. Galatians 2:20~ “ I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
3. John 15:15~ “I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.”
4. 2 Corinthians 5:17~ “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”
5. John 1:12 ~”Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”

• I am chosen! In this world, you and I may not be picked by some, but long ago He chose you, and He chose me to be His!
• I am a part of His royal priesthood.
• A Holy Nation  As much as I love my country, I am reminded I am a citizen of a holy nation.
• I am God’s special possession.  My friend, you are special, and you belong to God.
• I have been crucified with Christ.   Because this truth reminds me that Christ lives in me!
• I am a friend of God. Jesus says in John 15:15 that He no longer calls us servants but friends!
• I am a new creation  . When Jesus transforms us, the old passes away, and everything becomes new.
• I am a child of God   The state of Florida may say I am a resident of this fine state.  The Government and bank may say I am a certain number.  I may be down on myself periodically, but I must never forget that I am a child of God first and foremost!

Regardless of what others are calling you or saying about you, if you are with Christ, you are a beloved Child of God!  That is your identity!

By the way, the process was quick and efficient, and I am now a bonafide resident of Florida!