Who Do You Think You Are? - Spiritual Nugget 97

As a young child growing up, I had many names hurled at me. Some referred to the color of my skin, some to various parts of my physical body, others to my intelligence or lack thereof, others landed as curses to my human existence, and some even landed as so-called “compliments.”
 
I moronically ingested many of these names and permitted them to act like gremlins to penetrate my soul and define my existence and personae. Because of my spiritual ignorance of my true design, some of these names became my live-in soul mates for many years past my childhood.
 
I failed to realize that the depth of our being cannot be determined by the words of other extremely flawed individuals. Only God, The Creator, can determine the true reality of our existence.
 
The old cliché about sticks and stones is completely wrong. Names can hurt if you give them life. They will always yield rotten fruit: low self-esteem, confusion, depression, ceaseless anger, sadness, worthlessness, the false idea of real beauty, underachievement, ridiculous comparisons to others, ad infinitum.
 
Who we are is based on the relationship of God to humanity. We are made in the “image and likeness” of God, male and female,” (Genesis 1:26-27). We were created as a free moral personality, with a free will and capable of distinguishing between right and wrong. In this vein, our purpose must be to strive toward communion with God who desires to be in harmony with mankind and share His eternal love, grace, and abundant life.
 
God’s purpose for creating humanity with free will was to support the personality of mankind to choose an intimate relationship with Him. The love of God continually seeks to bond with His creations who often breach that connection through poor choices.
 
Jesus Christ, who is the image of God, and perfect in the “character” of God, was sent to help mankind conform to a Godly relationship. He is the vessel who can overcome our sinful personality and give us an advantage in our “metamorphosis” to return to God.
 
The moment we commit to walk with Jesus, the process of enjoying the benefits offered by God begins. Your inward person becomes the residence for the Holy Spirit who will move you forward in your fellowship with Him. He will guide and plant you closer to the promises of God which are always “Yes” and “Amen.” (I Corinthians 6:19) (2 Corinthians 1:20)
 
Everyone has his or her “stuff” to deal with in life. Therefore, others cannot possibly be perfectly correct in who or what they name you since they truly are clueless about the thoughts and attitudes of your heart. (Hebrews 4:12) In fact, you are also innocent of the true reality of who God intends you to be.
 
You can laugh and shout that you are “fearfully and wonderfully” made. (Psalm 139:14) Truth be told, this means you are a “splendid and miraculous” creation of God. (Psalm 139:14) Rejoice!
 
Don’t take in and embrace unwanted name-placing soul mates, rather start your passage in Jesus and experience God’s love and perception of you!

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