But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 1 Peter 2:9 NIV

“Everybody ready?” an enthusiastic voice asked the room full of eager children. The room erupted with a thunderous roar of cheers.

“I’ll take that as a yes!” The voice shouted. ”Ok then… Ready, Set, Go!”

In an instant the room swarmed with children excitedly scurrying around. Each impatiently launching questions at the others, desperately trying to determine the identity of a name taped to their own back.

“Am I good at sports?”

“Am I famous?”

“Am I pretty?”

“Am I nice?”

“Am I popular?”

A cloud of questions buzzed through the room as the children intently pursued “their identity,” each wanting to be the first to solve the mystery.

As I watched the youthful enthusiasm I couldn’t help but think that in life, we too often live as though we are playing a real life version of “Who Am I?” We look to those around us to define who we are ourselves. Although we may not be as obvious as the room full of children, we inadvertently question those we encounter by using their feedback to determine who we are or who we will become.

“Am I good enough?”

“Can I really be successful?”

“Do I matter?”

And, seemingly just like the game narrows the possible answers, we can fall into the trap of using reactions to limit our own actions, our lives, our dreams or even our identities. By others' actions and their input, we often define how we see ourselves as well as our future potential. But if we instead use God’s Word to get our answers, we’re set free from judgment and are free to pursue ourselves.

“I am not alone.” (Hebrews 13:5)

“I am delivered.” (Colossians 1:13)

“I am strong.” (Philippians 4:13)

“I am not stuck in my past.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

“I am victorious.” (1 Corinthians 15:57)

“I have hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

“I am not condemned!” (Romans 8:1)

“I am free.” (John 8:32)

“I am heard.” (Jeremiah 29:12-13)

“I am forgiven.” (Colossians 1:13-14)

“I am worthy because I have been chosen.” (Colossians 3:12)

“I am loved.” (Romans 5:8)

“I am called.” (2 Timothy 1:9)

If you’ve found yourself searching for your sense of identity from others, make a shift and define who you are based on who God says you are instead. You are loved. You are chosen. You are called!

This week find time to discover at least one character quality that reflects what God's Word says about you.  Put it on a small sticky note and place it on your bathroom mirror. As you get ready each day, it will be a reminder to yourself of your valuable identity.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the bountiful reminders of Your love for each one of us found in Your Word. Help us to see ourselves as Your creations, made in Your image, rather than weighed down by limits and labels placed on us by people.