For most people, there comes a time when we determine the kind of person we will be. Others sail through life not thinking or planning the impact they will have on others, nor do they plan a path with a purpose. The second group lives a life of reacting rather than planning situations. For those who are Christians, we would fit in the first group of people. We have planned our future by accepting Jesus as our Savior. Becoming a Christian gives us an identity, a purpose to live here on earth, and a plan for our eternal future. Within the confines of being a Christian, there are still decisions we must make. If we make the right ones, we will be growing in our sanctification. A process of becoming more like Jesus. This journey will last until we die and receive glorification when we enter Heaven. On this journey, there are several questions we must answer about ourselves so that we can make sure we are progressing in the right direction toward Christ. I challenge you to answer these as you ask yourself, “Who am I?”
Am I lazy? The Bible uses the word slothful when speaking of a lazy person. In the parable of the talents in Matthew 25, Jesus refers to the servant, who had not worked to increase the money entrusted to him by his master, as slothful. He also proclaims him to be wicked. In this verse, the word wicked is referring to the influence he will have on others. He was a poor example to those around him. He was too lazy to seek out the best way to invest and then do it. He hid it away and did nothing. The slothful man is also greedy. He clings to what he has for fear of depleting his resources. Instead of working, he sits, longs for things, and tries to find ways to get what he wants without working. In II Thessalonians 3:10, Paul says, “For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.”
Matthew 25:26 “But his master answered him, ‘You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I scattered no seed?”
Am I loyal? A loyal person does not share secrets or things that would cast a wrong opinion on another. We must be faithful to one another as God is faithful to us.
Proverbs 11:13 “A talebearer revealed secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealed the matter.”
Am I stingy? How do I spend my money? Am I concerned enough about the needs of others that I am willing to do with less so others can have more? God will bless those who are generous, but when a person is stingy, he will not only come to a point of need, but he will be miserable because he is never content. In Proverbs 11:26, we see that others have negative feelings toward those who are stingy.
Proverbs 11:24-26 One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered. The people curse him who holds back grain, but a blessing is on the head of him who sells it.
Am I selfish? Do I listen and look at each situation to see how it affects my plans or comfort? Philippians 2:3 teaches us that nothing we do should be done because of selfish ambition. Nothing is wrong with wanting to do better and achieve goals, but that should not be our focus. We are always to work hard and do the best we can. However, the goal is not to do this out of pride or to prove you are better at the job than someone else. When we do the best we can simply for the glory of God, He will exalt us in His time. We should be happy when others succeed, and we should help them succeed. The Lord of all put on the robe of humility when He lowered himself to become a man. He was not thinking about His good but ours. He is our example.
Philippians 2:3-5 “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus.”
Am I a servant? Do I seek ways to help others, especially those who cannot do anything for me? I should be looking for ways to serve those that others don’t. A servant’s heart serves, looking for nothing in return. They would prefer others not know about their good deeds. They are outward-focused, not inward-focused. In Galatians 5:13, we are called to serve one another. Jesus was the greatest servant of all, and we are to mimic Him.
Galatians 5:13 “For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.”
Matthew 20:28 “even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Am I single-minded? Is your first thought in every situation, “Lord, show me how to handle this the right way?” Paul addressed this in Philippians 3:13-14. We are to continue to focus on living to please God in every situation. It is a high calling that honors God and keeps us on the right path.
Philippians 3:13-14 “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”
Am I wise? Wisdom will lead us to do things the right way. James teaches us that true wisdom only comes from God, but it is there for everyone who asks. God does not hand it out to a few and withhold it from others.
James 1:5 “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and without reproach and it shall be given him.”
We can ask ourselves many more questions to determine who we are. Yet, the most crucial question is whether you follow Jesus Christ. That sets the stage for everything else in life. None of these questions and answers will mean anything to you if you are not. We are all sinners needing a Savior, and God provided that through His Son Jesus. We must believe He is the Son of God, sent to earth to die for our sins to reconcile us to God. We must repent, seek forgiveness, place our faith in Him, and live a life to please Him.
So, who are you? Not who you think you are, but who you are according to God’s commands. We all need to do some self-evaluations and then seek to change.
