I Do but I Am

The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God. Romans 8:16

When you meet someone for the first time and exchange pleasantries, one normally ask what the other person does for a living. The purpose is to find out something more about the person’s identity. The challenge is it takes a lifetime to truly learn about anyone. So when one has a few minutes, we take cliff notes.

In my early years, I would quickly draw a bias picture based on a youthful and limited knowledge base. Over the years though, I have learned to slowly digest the facts to separate people’s roles from their identity.  

For example, if I met you for the first time, we would start by focusing on things you do. Your family upbringing, your work, your hobbies, your interests, and maybe if we have time your dreams. The goal is to develop a picture of all the roles you take part in. These are the things you do. They are the coveralls of your identity.

But they are not who you are. Your identity is much deeper than the things you do. Your expression of how you do everything gets more into the heart of the matter. Your motive for what you do likewise reveals more of who you  are. Your attitude also reveals the deeper side of who you are. All these combine together gets us closer to who you are.

But who are you?

We are complex beings made in the image of God. That is our status. We are born to reflect what we worship. Worship is a matter of the heart. At our natural birth, we reflect the genealogy of our parents. We grow up and simulate some of their characteristics. Later in life, we develop friendships with others. Some of their character habits may become a part of us. Then one day, God opens our eyes and impregnates us with His Spirit. We are begotten into the family of God.

We are now human with a divine Spirit residing in us. As we live out this life, we are like a child in the mother’s womb waiting to be birth into eternity. We are becoming more and more like our heavenly Father. We are now for all practical purposes His child.

So, who am I?

I am a child of the living God. An apprentice of Jesus Christ. Now hidden in His Grip waiting for the new heaven and earth. Then HE will lead and allow me to serve Him forever. 

Until then, we get to enjoy life under the Son. We get to do the things which brings joy to others and ourselves. God has wired us with specific DNA. He has  given us opportunities to develop skills upon these natural abilities to serve others. Through the entire process, HE has given us the knowledge and opportunity to pursue a life of meaning, purpose, and fulfillment. This is our DO. But what I AM is a child of the living God.

Your roles are what you do. Your identity in Christ is who you are!

Don’t confuse your identity with your roles of life. Your roles will come and go. But your identity will remain for a life time plus. This is why we remind ourselves each day: I DO but I AM.

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Faith-Integrator, Encourager, Scribbler

We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,” (Colossians 1:9)

Books By Dr. Mike:

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A Special Relationship

“For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!”” Romans 8:15 ESV

father 1

The writer of the letter to the Hebrews (3:1-6) compares Moses with Jesus. He states that Jesus is greater than Moses as the builder of a house is greater than the building itself. That Moses was a servant in God’s house but Jesus is a Son in God’s House. The Son holds a greater position and relationship with the owner than a servant. What does this mean for you and I?

Sometimes we walk through life’s journey as an outside servant simply doing our job rather than a child of God enjoying the fruit of our relationship with Father God. As a brother (HB. 2:11) and friend (Jn. 15:15) of Jesus Christ, we have the privilege of a special relationship with the King of heaven and earth. Yes we are Christ’s servant at heart. However, we are also adopted children within the heavenly family business. Because of the grace of God, we have been given an unique role on the planet earth (Hebrews 2:5-9).

So when dealing with life’s struggles, maybe it’s time to change our worldview. Instead of approaching the situation as a victim, what if we face the dilemma as that special son or daughter of the King? When trials or tests come, what if we thank God for allowing you to move through it leaning on Him and learn more about who God is and your role in life? In other words, when life hands you a lemon, maybe it’s time to learn how to make lemonade.

Instead of playing the religious guru, maybe it’s time to walk this life like an apprentice of Jesus. How? Maybe we need to take each step more gratefully, speak each word more compassionately, and work more joyously for the sake of others and His Kingdom than for ourselves.It may seem too easy, but in the eyes of God it brings a smile. Like a cherished Father/child relationship.

Isn’t life more grand when your beloved Daddy owns the business?

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Executive Director & Founder
Marketplace Bible Institute
& Resource Center, Inc
Author of e-Books:
 *  Great Business Emulates a Good God
 *  Be Radical…Follow Christ!
 *  Simply The Messenger
 *  Unequally Married

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