Through him [Jesus] we received both the generous gift of his life and the urgent task of passing it on to others who receive it by entering into obedient trust in Jesus. You are who you are through this gift and call of Jesus Christ!
Romans 1:5-6, The Message
Do you every wonder that? Who am I? What does this mean? What is my identity? It’s a constant topic of conversation amongst us ladies, as we tend to need the approval to know that who we are is justified. It’s part of my nature, at least. I don’t nag my husband to identify me and give me purpose, but I sure do thrive in a place where I know my place. Places where I know my capabilities, my knowledge, my purposes.
But this shatters my idea of identity & purpose: I am who I am because of this gift and call of Jesus Christ. It shatters the illusion that grace is by works or that the gift of love is earned. It breaks down the idea that the answers to the questions Who am I? What does this mean? What is my identity? are rooted in anything I do, present, past, or future. Or that, even more importantly, who I am is dependent on anyone’s vision besides God’s. And part of my identity is to pass on the generous gift of Christ’s life.
I spend every Sunday night with a small group of women, eating together, talking life, and discussing a book we’re reading called Unseduced & Unshaken by Rosalie De Rosset. It has prompted us to consider that, as women, we are not just identified by what people consider we should be or the lack of thinking we can do for ourselves. Rather, how we are to be dignified, confident, and knowledgeable in Christ, the foundation of all self-help and how-tos in this life we live, especially as women. If anything, I’ve learned that choosing Jesus and walking with Him isn’t all about the feels. It’s all about the Truth. (And that we spend a greater deal talking about life than we do the book, which is just good for the soul.)
So ladies, do you hear Paul? Do you hear it? I am who I am because of this gift and call of Jesus Christ. It doesn’t say because of the things I am good at. Or because of the kids I have. Or because of the career I chose. Or because of the people who love me. Or because of the things I do for others.
Because of this gift and call of Jesus Christ.
So who are you? What does who you are say about Jesus? Forget about all that you’ve done, good & bad. Nothing you’ve done earned you Christ’s love or showered you in grace. You are who you are, truly, because of this gift and call of Jesus Christ. Passing on that truth isn’t easy, and what that looks like isn’t always the same. But root yourself in truth: I am who I am because of Christ and His gift to me. That alone is reason to carry it forth to others. And that alone gives you more purpose and identity than any role you try to fit into yourself.
JANELLE DELAGRANGE 