I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself, but it is unclean for anyone who thinks it unclean. Romans 14:14 ESV
Who is the real you? Is it your personality where you work? Is there another personality that appears at a social event? The true you is the one who shows up when you are all alone, and no one else is around.
Each one of us has specific characteristics, some are public, and some are private. What is expected of us? Is it what we perceive to be accepted by a particular group of people? Our actions are usually those that are deemed necessary to gain respect and recognition. In other words, are we esteemed and valued by others? The question we need to ask ourselves is, is that the real me? What happens to our self-esteem when our actions are not acceptable?
Can we live our lives regardless of the company we keep or where we work? Are we Christians at work and social events, or are we Christians just when we are at church, if then? Is our self-worth measured by the salary we make and the possessions that we have? Who we are is our reality. We can change and we are continually doing so whether we realize it or not. That change is never-ending, and our family, friends, and acquaintances are watching us.
In our heart of hearts, who are we? Only God knows for sure. Regardless of what is going on in our life, who are we? Events do not define our life. We are responsible for our life. Yes, circumstances and crises have an effect but, do those events control you, or do you control you?
If we let events and other people control us, then who are we? Are others our real judge? Every Christian will appear before our Lord, and we will answer for our own lives. What will He say? What the Lord says is the FINAL word. That’s all that matters. It doesn’t make any difference what others think. It’s what the Lord knows.
Our accumulation of things is just that—things. People are God’s creation, not cars and bank accounts. Where are we investing our lives, in things that are temporary or eternal? Who are we? Are our relationships based on possessions or character? If character, Godly character, then others will see and respect it. If possessions, they will be left behind for someone else to take care of, and we will enter eternity empty-handed.
Remind yourself now and then, it is God that made us, and it does not matter what others think. It is what God knows! He knows who we are!
