“Not because of who I am. But Because of what you’ve done

Not because of what I’ve done. But because of who You ARE”

Culture tells us that we are defined by what we do, have accomplished, the size of our social circle, how many followers we have, who we are influencing, what degree we have, how in shape we are, how much money our bank account has, and how many people are attracted to us.

This is the world’s system. And most of it is a lie.

The moment any of these things culture tells us is important falls through in our lives or changes drastically for the worse, we are conveyed the message that we aren’t enough. We haven’t achieved enough or earned our value. But this isn’t the truth.

There is value to your life. No matter if you lose money, a boyfriend/girlfriend, a house, your health or anything else in life there is always a higher answer. God in all his goodness created us in His image. He blessed us with his very nature and unique workmanship. He takes delight in calling us His own. That is until sin came into the world.

The drastic effect of sin on mankind was that we now were separated from God Almighty, the One we found our purpose, meaning and life in. Consequently, mankind tried to find their identity in the things of this world. They looked at the sun and moon and bowed down to it worshipping the creation rather than the creator. Man tried to find purpose in himself and in what he alone could do with his hands. “If I just make enough money I’ll be enough…. or if I just sleep with as many women and gain their affection I’ll be enough… or if I just get more power and control then I surely will be enough….”. The Bible teaches us what this looks like. Everything the world tries to offer man is encompassed in this Scripture in 1 John 2:16:

“For everything in the world – the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and pride of life– comes not from the Father but from the world.”

1 John 2:16

The world is constantly pulling on us with these false identities. This Scripture shows us that these are NOT from the Father and they are a false sense of identity to those that think they will provide them a secure fondation.

This week, I’ve been really enjoying the song “Who Am I” by Casting Crowns and the verses I’ve shared at the start of this blogpost. I’ve found that I continually find my identity in the wrong things. Inherently, I do know the truth yet convincing my heart of it is difficult. These lyrics from Casting Crowns have been helping reorient my thinking this week.

It is never about what you can do. You can never do enough to be right with God or earn His blessings. I find that when I put all the weight on my shoulders and what I can do, I feel crushed and overwhelmed. I truly am not able to accomplish what the world tells me. I have faults and failures. I’m not strong in certain areas but I do have strengths God has given me in others. Ultimately, we are called to rest in the Cross of Christ and God’s character.

He is the One who was enough. He loves us. He chose us. He empowers us. He delights in us. He doesn’t judge our accomplishments, but partners with us. When we feel like we are failing, He sees us growing. Jesus accomplished it all thru His death, burial and resurrection.

“For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus…”

Romans 3:23-25

I want to find myself there. I want to camp there. Let this song speak over you and let’s learn to turn away from our faults and to the Cross of Calvary. To a Good God who carries me in delight even when I feel I am not enough.