Who Are You, Today?

I substitute teach in our school district. Teachers ask me all the time, Who are you, today? Some days I get the question once or twice. Other days, I get it a bunch! A few weeks ago, I felt like I had an identity crisis! It got me to thinking … Who am I, really?

So I thought about how I introduce myself.

Hello, I’m Dianne Thornton, Tim’s wife.
Hi, I’m Mrs. Thornton, Rachel’s mom.
Good Afternoon, I’m Dianne, Dr. Strangmeier’s daughter.
Good Morning, I’m Mrs. Thornton, your sub for the next couple of days.

These phrases define me in relation to other people. Sometimes I define myself in terms of what I do—even assigning my value based on how well I’m performing in my activities, my work, or my ministry.

When I am exhausted or have had an exceptionally bad day, it’s easy to feel like I’m not making a difference. In fact, some days I feel like I have messed things up so badly, that the difference I am making is not a positive one—especially when it comes to parenting.

It’s then that I hear these voices in my head …

My kids are going to turn out horribly because of what I just said—and how I said it.
I can’t do anything right.
I’ll never lose that weight.
Ugh, it’s time to have my roots touched up.
I didn’t have a quiet time today, so I’m sure I’ll mess up even more.

These phrases are not who I am. How well (or how poorly) I did something does not determine my value. But it’s easy to believe that these things do, especially in a culture that puts a high priority on physical beauty and success.

The truth about who we are and what our value is worth,

is clearly stated in God’s Word.

Personally, I need to review these verses regularly. With teenage daughters at home, it is essential.

I am (You are) God’s child through faith in Christ Jesus and I (You) belong to Him.

For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:26)

Now you are no longer a slave but God’s own child. And since you are his child, God has made you his heir. (Galatians 4:7)

So now you Gentiles are no longer strangers and foreigners. You are citizens along with all of God’s holy people. You are members of God’s family. (Ephesians 2:19)

But you belong to God, my dear children … (1 John 4:4)

I am (You are) a new creation, God’s masterpiece!

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! (2 Corinthians 5:17)

For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. (Ephesians 2:10)

Jesus told His disciples …

You are the salt of the earth … You are the light of the world. (Matthew 5:13-14)

And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows. (Matthew 10:30-31)

You have a high calling!

Don’t you realize that all of you together are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God lives in you? (1 Corinthians 3:16)

We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. (2 Corinthians 5:20)

… you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. (1 Peter 2:9)

You don’t need to look at our culture, which is shallow and constantly changing, to discover your value. In Christ, you have it all! 

• You are deeply loved by Him. He gave His Son so you could live with Him forever!
• He chose you … He adopted you into His family … and you belong to Him!
• He created you beautifully–you are a masterpiece!
• He gave you important work to do!