I know. It’s a little strange to get an email that begins this way. I get that question from time to time, probably because someone is trying to figure out the rather odd person who keeps sending these Notes. It’s a good question, though, but let me ask it a different way. Do you know who you are?
It’s about true identity. Not how we describe ourselves or some list of statistics. For example, I am male, cute and cuddly, and had a birthday on July 15. I’ve led a law firm, formed a ministry, written a few books, and had a birthday on July 15. I’m a husband, father, son, brother, uncle, nephew, and friend…all of whom had a birthday on July 15. And though I have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, tinnitus, diverticulitis, acid reflux disease, antiphospholipid syndrome, and diabetes, I still have a good disposition and decent health for someone who had a birthday on July 15.
None of that tells you who I am. It does, however, tell you that while not one country on the face of this planet will officially acknowledge it, my birthday is July 15…every year. You may send belated gifts.
Our identities are often held “close to the vest”. We may allow a select few to see behind the walls we’ve built, but for the most part such information is secret and we don’t like it when someone tries to steal our identity. Did you know that anyone can send an email using your address and pretend to be you? I just recently discovered this when I received inquiries about “my” emails covering everything from investment opportunities to the latest in sexual devices. And by the way, no, I do not go by the name “The Love Doctor” and Ciloa does not sell “love pills”. (We want to encourage you, just not that way.)
So, who are you? Do you know? Do you want to know?
Once many years ago the Disciples were arguing. Was it about something Jesus had said or taught? No. Was it about a better way to minister to the thousands who came to see Him? No. What about the growing threat posed by certain religious leaders? No. Any of that would have made sense. No, they were arguing about who was the greatest among them. Each was arguing about who he thought he was. And only Jesus really knew.
“Jesus said to them, The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.” (Luke 22:25-27)
Jesus compared them with those in the world who are really interested only in themselves. Such people believe they are better than those around them. Even their claims of helping others is hypocrisy. Next, He reminded the Disciples of who He is…the greatest among them who was there to serve. Then Jesus brought them to the hidden question: Who do you think you are? But He didn’t wait for their answer.
“You are those who have stood by me in my trials.” (Luke 22:28)
What could better define who these men were? What could say more about their faith, trust, belief, and commitment to someone they considered their master, teacher and friend? Their identity, the core of who they were, was found in the life and love of Jesus, and no one could steal that away from them.
Can the same be said of you? Who are you? Do you know? Does anyone else?
May God look upon you, smile and say, “You are one who has stood by me.”
Take care and be God’s,
Chuck Graham
Child of the Father, friend of the Son, witness of the Spirit (and whose birthday was July 15) Ciloa … Encouraging one another as long as it is called Today! Ciloa is a registered trademark of Ciloa, Inc., a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. A Note of Encouragement is a copyright interest held by Ciloa, Inc.