Our True Identity

John Chapter 2 ends with a GREAT passage. Jesus had driven the merchants out of the temple. Many people believed him when they saw all the great signs he produced. But Jesus didn't entrust himself to them. He knew that the hearts of men are fickle and easily swayed. Although I'm sure he was glad they were believing the truth, Jesus knew better than to place his value in the hands of the crowd. He knew his true identity and worth. He didn't need others to confirm it or validate it.

Would it be great if we as Americans, we as women, we as humans could rest in that same assurance? I know that my identity and my worth, my value is in Christ. So why do I all too often entrust myself to others? I know people are fickle, and someone who likes me today may despise me tomorrow. Why do I care?

Maybe because I don't quite trust that God's love can fill the void where my insecurities lie. Maybe because I just don't think God is big enough to give me my value and worth. Or maybe because I think I'm worth way more than I should. Whatever the reason, there lies real danger in entrusting yourself to others who are not Christ. Men and women have done everything imaginable to earn their parents' approval. Girls have given up their identity to gain their value from a boy's eye. People turn into workaholics to get a pat on the back or a raise from their boss.

But this is all an exercise in futility. Even if we did somehow gain the approval of that certain person in our life, we would be left feeling blank, empty, and disappointed, for it can never give us the blessed assurance that we receive when we completely trust Christ for our identity, our worth, our value. He is the Father of the Fatherless (Psalm 68:5). He is my beloved and I am his (Song of Songs 2:16). He is our Master in heaven (Colossians 4:1).

My Utmost For His Highest had this to say today:
Do you have the slightest reliance on anything or anyone other than God?... We tend to say, "But God could never have called me to this. I'm too unworthy. It can't mean me." It does mean you, and the more weak and feeble you are the better.