by Kala Loptien

Identity and Purpose

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking the Sound Cloud link.

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”
Ephesians 2:10 English Standard Version

Titles and labels: the world is full of them. Our jobs have titles. We report to someone with another title, and on it goes. Beyond work life, we have many labels and titles at home. We won’t get into the weeds with this; but more and more labels are created every day. But ironically, they’re not all-inclusive. They fall short and fail. It’s a sad attempt to put God’s creation in boxes.

I’ve been made more aware of this when I look at our beautiful daughter. She’s a different ethnicity from us; and she’s the survivor of a brutal first five years of life. At times, she struggles with her story — wanting for now, to hide it. But we all have similar fears at one point or another. We worry how we’ll be viewed; how we’ll be judged. We worry what people think of us. It’s a real struggle if we continue to let the world dictate our thinking and living.

Now for the very, very good news. Who we are — heart, mind and soul — has nothing to do with earthly labels. Deep down, we know this. It’s just way too easy to lose sight of this truth when we’re this side of heaven. We are His workmanship. He created us — each one wonderfully, expertly, uniquely made. We have a story. We have a mission. We are image bearers and good news sharers. Whether we’re nine or 90, it is our supreme privilege and purpose to shine the bright light of Christ in a dark, sad world. Our identity is solidified. We were made new in Christ. While it’s nearly impossible to avoid the labels of the world, time in the Word is the very prescription we need. When we read or hear the truth about who we are, we find hope, peace, confidence and strength to live out our calling.

Copyright Family of Christ Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado