Who am I?

     Who am I? Do you ask yourself that a lot? Maybe you’re like me and you don’t necessarily ask yourself that bold question directly, but rather always look for what you identify yourself with. Are you super fashionable or could you care less? Are you outspoken or shy? Do you have hobbies? Are you funny or serious? Do you have good grades? Who do you hang out with? What’s your favorite band? What’s your Instagram bio? These questions, and endless more, slap us in the face as we scramble to please the imaginary gods of ultimate coolness.

     Oh, it’s so tiring trying to please people and put our best foot forward all the time. Why do we feel we must be perfect? I bet Adam asked himself that same question when he got kicked out of the Garden of Eden. What is in us that makes us desperately long for perfection? Pride. Pride tells us that in order for others to like us we must perfectly resemble who we are trying to depict; whether that be some singer, or sports star, or some image we’ve created. We live in a world of unauthenticity. Everything is fake; everything is a show. We as a world are striving for complete satisfaction with who we are.

……..That’s a problem. We ARE NOT Perfect. That’s why we need salvation. “For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23 We can’t reach God’s standards of perfection by our own merit. That’s why sweet Jesus was sent to wash over us with His cleansing blood. Only one free of all failure and flaws could restore our relationship with an omniscient, omnipotent, superlative God. We are white as snow, free from all fault, because of His loving sacrifice. 
     Sooooooo…… why do we still build up walls around us and endeavor for a one-dimensional image? It’s as simple as one word; acceptance.

We long for love and a warm embrace this world cannot give. No matter how perfect you may appear to the outside world, you will never be satisfied. As 1 John 2:17 says, “And this world is passing away along with its desires …” Acceptance from this world is like Bazooka bubblegum. The flavor (or feeling) is there for a short time and then it’s gone leaving you wanting more. Only Jesus can fill that void in your life permanently. The never-ending thirst of dissatisfaction can only be quenched by Christ.
“For He satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul He fills with good things.” Psalm 107:9

     Stop running after the world and run after Christ. Rather than looking into the latest trends, look into God’s word. Instead of striving to look perfect, strive to look like Jesus. Be a faithful follower of the Father. Find who you are in JESUS and He will fill you with inexpressible joy.

- Heather Grace