Who You are is Much More Important

Last week, we began the process of peeling through our layers of experience, fear, and more to find our true identity. We discovered we are established by our identity in Christ not by what we do or our circumstances. If we peel back one more layer, we’ll quickly discover our identity is not based on what has happened to us. In 2 Samuel, we read about Mephibosheth, son of Johnathan and grandson of King Saul. Years after David had ascended to the throne of Israel and Saul and Johnathan had died, David sought out one of their descendants to show kindness toward – and he found Mephibosheth.  

At first Mephibosheth was fearful even as David promised to restore all his family had lost. In 2 Samuel 9:8, we read, “Mephibosheth bowed down and said, “What is your servant, that you should notice a dead dog like me?” Mephibosheth had an identity problem. He believed he was without value because of what had happened to him and his family. So much so, he could not even acknowledge David’s grace and favor.  

Many of us can relate. Bad things happen, tragedy strikes, many times outside of our control. In those times, we much choose whether to live with negative consequences or decide to overcome. In order to regain our identity, we have to deal with what happened and make a choice: focus on what happened or focus on who we are! The truth is who we are has nothing to do with what happened to us. Like Mephibosheth, we must decide to focus on who we are so we can experience restoration sooner.  

Many of us have struggled and allowed our past to define us. Instead, we need to break free from those things – to move beyond what hurt us, handicapped us, or hindered us – and instead pursue our destiny in Christ. How? We must remember things happen, freedom comes from forgiveness, “who” you are is much more important than what happened to you, and changing what you can is crucial. Good things happen and so do bad things – both are part of life.

Ephesians 4:31-32 says, “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” This week, let’s set ourselves free from the unfortunate things which happened in our past, forgiving those who were involved. When we do, freedom, strength, and new perspectives on life will fill our hearts and minds. Our past is the past; we don’t have to take it into our future.