Who we are affects what we do

Some people think that the Bible is simply a list of "dos" and "don'ts." Well, the Bible certainly gives us a moral code and tells us what is right and wrong. We're also told that we had better chose wisely because our actions will be judged one day.

 

But, if we spend much time in God's Word, we will realize that it also tells us something even more important than what we are to do - it tells us who we are. Over and over, God's Word says, "You are..." just like a verse that showed up in my daily Bible reading this morning...

 

1 Peter 2:9

"But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light."

 

Notice that the Holy Spirit moved Peter to FIRST write who we are BEFORE telling us how to behave.

 

Did you know that most of our behaviors flow naturally out of who we think we are? If we think we are a failure, we will act that way. If we think we are always the most important person in the room, we'll act that way. On and on we could go - the point is clear: We naturally act like who we perceive ourselves to be.

 

That's why God spends so much time telling us that we need to change the way we see ourselves. That's why over and over in Scripture God tells us who He says we are (which is almost always very different than who we think we are).

 

Just go back over the first part of 1 Peter 2:9. Read the absolutely incredible things that God says of you if you are saved:

• Realize that you have been chosen by God ("a chosen race").
• Realize that you have royal blood (Jesus') flowing through your veins and have complete access to Almighty God ("a royal priesthood").
• Realize that you are set apart for God as a very special person ("a holy nation").
• Realize that you belong to God; you are one of His very one and He takes pleasure in you ("a people for His own possession").

 

Don't you think that believing these things would change the way you think and act today? I think so.