05/11/2012
Who are you? When you look in the mirror, who do you see?
"For through the grace given to me I say to every man among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith." Romans 12:3 (NASB)
Three Questions we will ask our whole lives:
• Who am I? - A question of identity
• Where do I belong? - A question of security
• What am I supposed to do with my life? - A question of significance
Identity: Because we sin and we live in a fallen world, we struggle to have a clear identity.
Security: You belong in the body of Christ and you are needed.
Significance: You have spiritual gifts and you were made to contribute something special to the
body of Christ.
"For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. 4 Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in
proportion to his faith. 7 If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; 8 if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully." Romans 12:3-8 (NIV)
It is liberating to see yourself as God sees you.
ALL of us are desperately insecure.
In less than five minutes, list your top five strengths and weaknesses.
You are unconditionally loved.
You are unique.
God has a plan for your life.
REFLECTION
Where do you struggle with identity? Spend a few moments reflecting on how you view yourself.
What kind of self-talk do you engage in?
What from your past impacts how you view yourself today?
When you are ready, journal your thoughts regarding these questions.
Finally, read Psalm 139:13-18.
Read the passage out loud and insert your name every time you read a personal pronoun.
TAKE ACTION
1. Start by praying and asking God to help you see yourself as He sees you.
2. Write down what you think are your top strengths and then and ask a few friends what they view as your top strengths. Compare notes.
3. Discover your primary spiritual gift. If you’re unsure what your spiritual gift is, listen to “Your Divine Design” in r12 Online to learn how to identify and cultivate the unique gift that God has given you.
