Identity:

When you look in the mirror, what do you see? Obviously, you'll see yourself staring back, at least I hope you do. Anyway, what exactly do you? Do you see someone with a specific label given to yourself or given by others? Do you see worth? Or do you see mistakes you've made?

If you're human, it is automatically a given that you want to excel at everything you do. We all put so much time into a specific task to see results to be greater than what we are. Are you a student that spends countless hours in the library? Are you an athlete that is constantly spending time in the gym or on the field? Are you a hard worker that spends more time at your job than you do at home? Or are you a stay at home mother or father? If you answered yes to any of these, continue reading.

If you are any of the above or some not listed, is that what you're known for? My one prayer is that you don't find your identity in those things. I'll tell you why: God did not create us to be known for things and labels of this world. God calls us to find our identity in Christ rather than anything else. My goal as a Christian is that whenever people see me, they see Christ first. Obviously, whatever you do, you're going to be somewhat known for such things. My next question is do you work on your faith like you work on homework, at work, or on the field? Things of this world will fade. Sports will end, school will end, and work will eventually end as well. One thing that will not fade is faith and the love God has for us. God calls us to 'walk by faith, not by sight.' 2 Corinthians 5:7. God made us in the image of His perfect son Jesus Christ and He makes it known in the very first chapter of the bible. 'So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God; male and female, he created them' Genesis 1:27. God doesn't call us to be Jesus, He just calls us to have our identity found in Him rather than things of this world that will fade.

Let me tell you what you're not:

You are not your mistakes. You are not the negative things people say about you. Your identity should not be found in what you wear, what makeup you have on, or the car you drive. You are not what people say about you. You are not your grades. You are not your weight. Your worth is only defined by one thing and that is the love God has for you. I know that sometimes when I look into the mirror, I point out all my flaws and I'm sure you do sometimes as well. Let me tell you this: you are not your flaws.

Now let me tell you what you are:

You are God's very own child that is so loved and cherished. In the first chapter in Ephesians, it talks about how God has chosen us, loves us, and how He pours out His grace on us. Before you were even born, God chose you. It is so amazing to know that the God who created the universe, all of the stars, and the sun needed one of you on the earth as well. You are good enough, smart enough, and worth it no matter what anyone says. You are absolutely perfect because God made you.

What I hope you see when you look in the mirror:

I hope you see worth whenever you look in the mirror. I hope you see someone that has great value. I hope you see something that is beautiful. I hope you see yourself as good enough. Lastly, I hope you see Christ in yourself whenever you look in the mirror because that is the most important thing as humans that we can see ourselves as.

And remember, the best thing you can be is you and for you to find your identity in Christ. Do not be like the things of this world.