IDENTITY
Jenna Worsham
Today’s Scripture: “But Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.’” Matthew 19:26, ESV
Theme: When you step into your God-given identity as a child of the King, you will do what you thought was impossible.
DEVELOPING IDENTITY
Working with my Cove Students’ small group (and having two teens of my own at home) reminds me of how that season is one of seeking and forming a personal identity. Sometimes we look for healthy things to define us like God, community, and family. Other times we lean in to frightening or destructive ones – social media likes or follows, acceptance from peers, fame, or achievement. In any case, during our teen years, we try on different personas, attitudes, friend groups, interests, and fashions. Sometimes they stick; other times, we move on to something better. Adults may look down on this search for identity, yet we get wrapped up in false identities, too, and unlike teenagers, we aren’t as quick to discard them.
STAR WARS – "JUST A SCAVENGER"
Rey (from the movie) is a scavenger. She doesn’t see herself as having the potential for great things. She simply works to survive. Her vocation defines her until her friendships and alliances begin to change the trajectory of her life story. She may have been a nobody but when given a mission, a purpose, and a team, she becomes so much more.
MORE THAN SURFACE LEVEL
Is my identity just a sum of my preferences, strengths, and accomplishments? We tend to find identity in communities, family, vocation, interests, and appearance. What if identity is a deeper thing? A birthright or unique gifting, rather than some way that we try to appear or something(s) that we choose to do?
IN HIS IMAGE – TRUE IDENTITY
In the beginning, God created people in His image. We are created with dignity. Our original identity is connected to the Creator. He formed us, similar to Himself, and bestowed upon us humanity – the aptitude for compassion, love, belonging, self-sacrifice, and faithfulness. This is why God loves each person so much. This is why He calls us His children. All other identities pale in comparison to the one identity as His. “I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well” (Psalm 139:14, ESV).
INHERITANCE
Your identity as a child of God comes with gifts. Similar to being born into a wealthy or royal family, when you join God’s family, you inherit power, authority, and spiritual gifts. God doesn’t force you to accept this identity, but when you do, you receive His presence, His Holy Spirit, and His power. With these, normal everyday people can accomplish the impossible.
Make It Personal: When you introduce yourself to new people, what things do you tend to mention about yourself? How do your beliefs about your identity affect your relationship with God? What impossible things have you accomplished? What might God accomplish through you...if you truly found your identity in Him?
Pray: Lord, help me to live today as a child of the King. Help me to see myself empowered and beloved by You, my Everlasting Father. Help me to walk with Your Spirit and use Your gifts well to bring honor to Your Name and promote Your kingdom everywhere I go. In Your Son’s Name. Amen.
Read: Matthew 17:18-21; 1 John 3:1-3; Genesis 1:27
Weekly Memory Verse: “But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.’” 1 Samuel 16:7 (ESV)