What do you do when you know who you are?
Before Jesus Christ began his ministry or any miracle, God spoke to his identity: “This is my beloved son with whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:16-17). As Christians, this statement is true of us as well.
We are sons and daughters of a living God. The way a good dad feels toward his kids, that’s how the God of the universe feels about us. God provides for us, takes care of us, guides us into maturity, and loves us — even when we’re not lovable.
Jesus said, “If you who are evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!” (Matthew 7:11). But how many of us remember that when the kids are acting crazy or the company downsizes?
Knowing who we are changes how we see ourselves and how we respond to the situations life throws our way.
Three Things That Happen When We Know Who We Are
1. We overcome temptation.
We have a real enemy who comes to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). We will all face temptation. But when we know who we are, we are far less likely to fall for Satan’s lies.
Right after God speaks to Jesus’ identity, the Holy Spirit leads Jesus into the desert where Satan tempts Him. Satan offers Jesus bread, but Jesus declines because He knows God will sustain Him. Satan tempts Jesus with power, but Jesus shuts him down knowing that power and authority come from God.
Each time Jesus is tempted, He turns to Scripture to defeat the enemy. Likewise, when Satan tempts us, we overcome by responding with the truth. The more we know God’s Word, the easier we find it to identify and respond to the enemy’s lies.
2. We rejoice in all circumstances.
In one of Jesus’ last moments on Earth, He sings Psalm 118 with His disciples (Matthew 26:30). Just hours away from being crucified, Jesus is singing, “give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever” (Psalm 118:1).
Jesus worships His Father in the middle of His biggest earthly trial. He could trust God even to the point of death on a cross because He knew that He was God’s beloved Son.
The same is true for us. When we know we belong to God, we know we’re in good hands. Whatever we face, He will be with us. Joy doesn’t come from the absence of a trial, it comes from the presence of our Father.
Joy doesn’t come from the absence of a trial, it comes from the presence of our Father.
3. We live differently.
Jesus calls us the light in a dark world (Matthew 5:14-16). Just like light creates a contrast in the dark, our actions, deeds, and words will often create a contrast with the rest of the world.
When we know we are God’s kids, we aren’t afraid to be different. We become far less consumed with fitting in and far more interested in pleasing our heavenly Father.
As we spend time with God, it shows. We don’t have to work to be good; God’s goodness starts to flow out of us. It comes out in how we speak, how we act, and what we care about. And as our light shines, God gets the glory. Others see our good deeds and praise our Father in heaven.
No matter how wonderful or difficult the season is, it will change. Jesus is the only constant that never changes, and your true identity is in Him. When we understand we are children of God, our lives can be marked by truth, joy, and worship in all seasons.