Defining Ourselves
by David Gibson
"If we are left to define ourselves, it is impossible to know who we are" (author unknown).
How some define themselves
- Many believe they are the product of a long evolutionary development from lower life forms. But soon after creating lower forms of life, God said, “Let Us make man in our image, according to our likeness” (Genesis 1:26 NASB), and He gave humans rulership over all other living creatures (Genesis 1:20-28).
- Some have chosen to identify as the opposite of their birth gender—or as “non-binary.” But as Jesus said, “Have you not read that He who created them from the beginning made them male and female . . . ?” (Matthew 19:4).
- Jesus addressed those “who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and viewed others with contempt” (Luke 18:9-14). The parable that follows sets the record straight.
- Jesus challenged those who rejected Him while taking pride in being Abraham’s children. “You are of your father, the devil,” He told them, “and you want to do the desires of your father” (John 8:44).
- The Laodicean Christians were quite satisfied with themselves, but Jesus showed them how they really were (Revelation 3:14-22).
- New Age thinking is one of numerous current influences promoting the idea that we humans can actually become divine beings. What a self-definition that is! Those who believe this need to take a good hard look at how God humbled those who claimed such prerogatives, such as the king of Babylon (Isaiah 14:4-20) and the king of Tyre (Ezekiel 28:1-19).
The One who defines us
Shouldn’t it be obvious that only the One who made us can tell us who we are? He tells us in His word that by studying the Scriptures, we can understand our true identity and what we can become in Christ through His grace and help. Knowing this is both humbling and encouraging. Humbling, in that we have all sinned and fallen short of God’s glory (Romans 3:23), and encouraging as we learn how His grace can transform us into the image of His Son (Romans 8:29).
What a God we serve!
