Who Do You Think You Are?  | Wednesday – Week 1

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Jesus says to the accusers, “If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.” (John 8:7)

Have you ever felt really ashamed about something you have said or done?

Whether it was a broken promise, a harsh word, lying to someone, or stealing from a local carry-out (sorry mom), whenever we make bad choices we usually experience feelings of guilt. Guilt is about something we have done. Guilt is to our soul what pain is to our body — a warning sign that something is wrong. Shame is different than guilt. Shame is about who we are. Shame twists the truth that I have made a mistake into the lie that I am a mistake.
There’s a story in the Bible from John chapter 8 about a woman who is caught in the act of adultery. She is sleeping with someone she is not married to. Though we are not sure what happened to the man involved, in this story, the woman is singled out and dragged before Jesus by the religious leaders. The religious leaders demand judgment for her sins.

Instead, Jesus gives us a surprising picture of mercy and compassion

One by one the accusers walk away. This woman likely felt guilt for what she had done. More than that, she probably felt shame – believing lies about who she had become. Yet Jesus says, “Neither do I condemn you” (vs. 11). He refuses to condemn her because Jesus knows He is going to the cross to be condemned for her. Jesus will pay for her sins by dying in her place so her shame can be removed and her guilt can be forgiven. She is free to embrace a new identity as someone who, despite her mistakes, is loved and treasured by God. She is free to “go and sin no more.” (vs 11.)

Who Do You Think You Are?

Here’s the problem for all of us. The way of the world is: We do things (perform, serve, work etc.) to have value in the eyes of our family, friends, parents, spouse, siblings, boss, pastor etc. If we do a good enough job and are perceived as valuable, then people will want us around. We will be wanted. Out of this activity we often form our identity. What we DO has led to who we ARE. Or at least we think it has. But there is a huge problem with this, it is terribly dangerous, it eventually crushes us, and it goes against how God sees us.

Don’t believe the DO=BE lies anymore.

Jesus said that if we are in Him, we have been transformed and given a new identity. We have become part of a Family of Servants on Mission sent to live and help others live and love like Jesus. This is who we are. This is our new identity. This is the secret. And this is true of all followers of Jesus EVEN IF WE NEVER KNEW IT. This is our birthright! One of the primary hurdles to experiencing the full life that God wants for you is letting what you have done, or the mistakes you have made, define your worth or value or most likely your identity.

Prayer for the Day

God what are you  showing me?  What am I going to do about it? 

God help me to see one person that I can serve through a kind word, random act of kindness, or simple gift today?

Read The New Testament In A Year

4 x 6 Plan | Read: Luke 17:20-37 & Hebrews 9:1-10