Sunday Tidbit –Who are you?

    Do you know who you are? Is your identity based on how others see you, on your gifting, employment, a title, or social status, or on how God sees you as your heavenly Father?

    Jesus asked His disciples, “Who do men say that I am?” They replied that some saw Him as John the Baptist, Elijah, or another prophet. When Jesus asked, “But who do you say that I am?” (Matthew 16:15), He confirmed Peter’s response that He is Christ, the Son of the living God. Jesus could have used a title, such as “I am the Word of God,” “I am the Lord,” and so on. As His Father’s beloved Son, He knew who He was, the Son of God. Although Jesus certainly has many names, He is not interested in titles. He came as God’s Son in humility, as one who serves.     

     At the time of my conversion, my heavenly Father said to me, “Welcome home, son.” Who am I? Redeemed by Christ, I am a son of the living God (Colossians 1:13). Some call me a prophet, others a pastor, and others a teacher. But these are ministry functions, not who I am. When people place a title on me, I tell them, “Please call me Roy.” That is my name. How I am called to function is because of the grace of Christ given to fulfill His purpose.

       Some wear titles that define who they are, such as “I am a pastor, bishop,” and so on. These are not titles we wear; they are ministry functions. The Lord once told a friend of mine,  

    “When you are concerned about how others see you, you lose your authority. Do not ask people to address you by your position, but by your name. Then I will make your name greater than your position. Your ministry is your function, not your rank or a title you wear.”

   When asked, “What is your ministry, Roy?” I tell them it is to be where the Lord is. When Jesus called His disciples, He said their purpose was “To be with Him” (Mark 3:14). Here in His presence, I have fellowship, empowering me to minister to His people and serve the body of Christ in love. How He desires to reveal Himself is determined by Him, not by a title I wear. In this, I have the liberty to flow where and how He wishes to reveal Himself.

     Beloved, you are not an orphan. You are a son or daughter of your heavenly Father. Redeemed by Christ to be all He has created you to be. Ask people to call you by your name, and God will make your name greater than your position. Like Jesus, walk in humility, service, and love. Jesus said they will know you by your love. Seek Him and love the Savior, not the favor and blessings of men, and He will exalt you in due season (1 Peter 5:6). 

 In His grace and love - Roy Roden