Ask the Community: Identity and Value
“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.”
We asked a few members of our community to share their perspectives on Identity and Value and received some wonderful insights. Below are their perspectives - we pray that they are an encouragement to you.
By Meghan Wittmer
Where do you work? What degree do you have? Are you married?
So often, we base our identity and that of others in the answers to these and similar questions. A couple years back, I led a small group of high school girls at my church. As I introduced myself, one of the girls asked me if I had a boyfriend. I responded “no” and immediately saw a disappointed look cross her face that reflected what she was probably thinking - I wasn’t “cool” or interesting because of my relationship status.
While I don’t know exactly what thoughts went through her head, I do know that many people base their identity on fitting in with the popular crowd and being successful in the eyes of society. Another girl in this same small group accepted me for who I was - we were able to connect over our faith despite a big age gap. She wasn’t chasing after boys or trying to keep up with all the fashion trends to fit in at school - she was proud of who she was as a daughter of God.
Five years later, she remains a great example to me and others of someone who knows her value lies in God. It is clear to see her striving after holiness through prayer, serving others and missionary work.
This example is a reminder to me that we are known and loved by God for who we are; our identity and value does not lie in our degrees, jobs, relationship statuses, and other things that the world uses to define us. God views all His Children equally and, in turn, we must do the same.
“... he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will...”
“But whoever is united with the Lord is one with him in spirit.”