Sermonette: Who I Am Series #2

Identity Politics. It’s a major “conversation” in our culture right now. The youngest generations have spurned labels, and yet continue to create new labels. Whether it’s in regard to their political affiliation, religion, gender or even race, who we identify ourselves as continues to grow as an issue. This conversation has the potential to be encouraging and enlightening, except for the fact that politicians (who, ironically, tend to be of the older generations), continue to use these labels and identities for their own gain. Thus, weaponizing how we identify ourselves. Some identities are cool and acceptable. Some are not. Some are acceptable if they vote a certain way. Some labels feel attacked if you vote for a specific party. It’s crazy, and it’s time we turn to the Bible. If our identity is going to drive this culture, it’s time to stop listening to ourselves, and start listening to the Bible. So, let’s all buckle up, as through the month of September we examine these identities through the lens of the Word of God.

When we go to the Bible, looking for guidance in knowing who we are, we don’t have to go far. Chapter 2 of Genesis tells us that through a set of completely random, impersonal, but extremely lucky circumstances we came into being? No! Genesis 2 tells us that God lovingly formed man out of dirt. Man’s creation stands in contrast to the animal kingdom, which was created generally and with no special affection or notice; and if you think man’s creation was special, a few verses later woman is created. The only being not created from dirt or nothing, the only being created with a purpose. God creates both man and woman, unique from the animal kingdom, and unique to each other. In chapter 1, verse 26, God tells us that mankind is made ‘in the image of God.’ Being that understanding God is outside of our capacity, it’s impossible to say exactly how we are in God’s image, but that doesn’t remove the significance. God created us, and we bear reflections of the Almighty within us.

Who am I? If you don’t trust the Bible completely, call or text me, and we’ll talk about biblical authority over coffee. This sermonette is written for all of you who already trust God and trust God’s Word completely. Politicians will tell you that you are straight, gay, conservative, liberal, white, black, latinX, or whatever labels are out there. However, when you ask God who you are, I promise he’ll flip the Bible open to the first couple chapters in the Bible. We are created by God. Created in his image.