Do YOU Know Who You Are?

One of the important principles for us to remember in our Christian walk is to ACT rather than RE-ACT. If our actions are always contingent (linked to or in response to) the actions of others, we have actually placed ourselves under their control. If we allow others to have that kind of power over our lives we are going to find ourselves in an unstable and unpredictable condition. Only God knows what our next action might be.

We need to focus on who we are and thus how our actions relate to who we are rather than to what others do. I think Jesus was able to endure what He did and able to keep the control He had because He knew who He was and did not have anything to prove. Are our actions consistent with others’ behavior or with who we are (a child of God)? Do we act toward others based upon what they do or who we are? The answer to that reveals the true nature of our character.

Paul was one who knew who He was (a servant of God) and thus acted accordingly. In his letter to the church in Corinth he spoke of his action in this way:

“(12) and we labor, working with our own hands. When reviled, WE BLESS; when persecuted, WE ENDURE; (13) when slandered, WE ENTREAT. We have become, and are still, like the scum of the world, the refuse of all things.” ( 1 Corinthians 4:12-13 ESV)

There is power being who God has called us to be. Jesus had pointed out, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called SONS [or children] OF GOD.” ( Matthew 5:9 ESV)

Don’t allow the world to determine your actions. Let the spirit of godliness move you to act in accordance with the image God created you to have.

Have a great day BEING WHO GOD HAS CALLED YOU TO BE!
Carl
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[This focus was originally sent 06/14/1998, (Edited some and the passages have been changed to ESV)]

See other teEn-MAIL on Character