A Child of the Living God

When you introduce yourself to someone new, what do you say? For many, it goes something like this, “Hi, my name is (your name), and I’m a (job title).”

Ever since I can remember, I’ve wrapped my identity around whatever I was into at the time. Everything from my early days as a high school student-athlete to my relationship status, where I lived, career, and job title helped shape how I saw myself and who I defined myself to be.

I created this identity based on my skills and abilities—what I could achieve. I perceived my identity to be wherever I found success. Unfortunately, those things can quickly change. You stop playing a sport, graduate, get a new job, move, your relationship status changes, etc. You name it, these things change!

When I encountered Jesus and was indwelled with the Holy Spirit, the trajectory of my eternity shifted from death to life in Christ. In reality, my identity shifted from lost to found, from old to new, but as they say, old habits die hard.

With my new life in Christ, I found a new way to classify myself. I knew my salvation wasn’t based on my good deeds, but I still had the bent to be known for my accomplishments, even if they were how much I served God! As I connected to my local church, I joined the serving teams, Bible studies, and a small group. I wanted to be able to say, “Hi, my name is Maria, and I serve at my church on the Welcome team!” My identity was still wrapped up in what I could do.

Over the years, the Holy Spirit has softened my heart in this area and has greatly comforted me when I’ve gone through seasons of serving burnout. He’s gently reminded me that while He loves a servant’s heart, He will never stop loving me based on what I do—from my sins to my good works! My greatest accomplishment comes from what He’s done, not based on anything I’ve done.

At times when I need to be reminded of this beautiful truth, I look to Titus 3:5, which says, “he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit” (NLT).

He saved me, not because of what I’ve done, but because of His mercy. The Holy Spirit is teaching me that it’s not about what I can do within my own strength, but rather, who I am based on what Jesus has done. Apart from God, there is nothing good in me. What He says about me matters; my identity is in Him! Now, when I introduce myself, I am honored to say, “Hi, my name is Maria, and I’m a child of the Living God!”

Holy Spirit, I ask that You gently remind me of Who I belong to when I start to put my worth and identity into things of this world. Remind me that who I am has nothing to do with what I’ve done, but everything to do with Jesus’ sacrifice, death, and resurrection. In His name. Amen.

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Scripture is quoted from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.