Who Do You Think I Am, Really?

S

(Philippians 2:6-8) [Christ Jesus], who though He was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made Himself nothing, taking the form of a servant ... [And] humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death even death on a cross.

O

Evidently, Paul was referring at least to Jesus' disciples' testimony and experience of Jesus washing their feet ... and dying in their place (John 13:1-20). Jesus could do that freely because of His completely secure identity. Both Paul and John wrote that explicitly. Jesus was certain about His identity and His relationship with His Heavenly Father, and that security freed Him to humbly serve undeserving, uanappreciative people without violating or even challenging His majesty.

A (Personal)

I find it much too easy to miscalculate my value and other people's value. Instead of basing it on fear or selfishness or a composite of people's opinions, I need to base personal value on God's calculations. I (as are so many others) am a beloved child of God. He treasures me and sought my affections even though it cost Him dearly. Therefore, me being a foot washer or brick stacker is completely unrelated to my dignity. Instead, my attitude and character, reveal whether I have allowed Christ's image and "lovefulness" to redefine me.

A (Psychological)

According to Pauline Boss (Family Stress Management: A Contextual Approach, 2002), the ABC-X model of family stress identifies the level of crisis (X) as the composite of A (the provoking event or stressor), B (the family's resources or strengths at the time of the event), and C (the meaning attached to the event by the family, both individually and collectively). When a person or family's identity is unclear or its boundaries ambiguous (who is in and who is out), its identity is no longer maintainable: its roles are confused, tasks are undone, cognitions are blocked, decisions are delayed, and coping and grieving processes are frozen (p. 47, 95). Having a clear sense of identity and family belonging and purpose is essential for health.

P

Lord, You have received me into Your family as Your own child. How can I ever thank You enough as I explore all the benefits and meaning included in that? I marvel that as I increasingly know and love You, I simultaneously get a better and calmer grip on who I am and how I can, in very practical ways, increase my value to others ... without losing my identity in You. Amazing!