Who Do You Think You Are?

Self concept is a powerful force in anyone's life. If I think I have no ability, I will act as a person without ability--no matter what abilities I have. If I think I am invincible, I will act like a person who is invincible--until a human weakness destroys me. If I think I am part of an important family or people, I will act like I am a part of an important family or people.

Self concept can be both good and bad. For example, if I view myself as a bad person who does harm to others, I will act as I see myself. Or if I view myself as a good person who seeks to be kind to others, I will still act as I see myself. Self concept is such a powerful force within us that Christianity often challenges us to see ourselves differently. Consider the contrast in Romans 6:4-11; Ephesians 2:1-12; 4:17-24; and Colossian 3:1-11. Paul often made use of the 'before conversion, after conversion' contrast.

In Deuteronomy 7:4-11, Moses made significant use of a self concept directive. Not only did ancient Israel leave slavery when they left Egypt, but they also entered [Moses hoped] a new, concious relationship with God. They were to no longer see themselves as slaves who existed to do the bidding of another people. They were to see themselves as God's choosen people who existed as a people for an entirely new reason. They were to be God's possession to serve His purposes. Whereas being slaves destroyed their humanity and made them property to be exploited, they were freed to claim the highest form of humanity known. They were free to bring blessings on themselves by serving the purposes of the God who would not exploit them. They must make the transition from dehumanization by people who exploited them to the freedom of blessings of the God who did not exploit them.

That is heady stuff! To go from an existence of slavery to an existence of God's people could be a foundation of arrogance! "Look who we are! God thought so much of us that He did all these extraordinary things to make us His people! If God did so much to rescue us, we must be important! We must be significant!"

Moses said, "Not so! Do not have that view of yourself! This is not about your importance but about God's faithfulness to His promises! All that has and is transpiring in your lives is not about you, but about God. It is about His love, not about your importance!"

There were two things Moses said Israel must know and not forget about God. (1) "God keeps His promises, His agreements. That is who He is! He by nature is faithful and loving. To those who love Him and keep His commandments, He will never fail to be kind, and He will never forget."

(2) "However, to the rebellious that which is a blessing to those who honor Him is a curse to those who hate Him. He will not fail to repay them for their hate. The consequences of their hate for Him is inescapable! They will as certainly know His wrath for their hatred as those who honor Him will know His blessings."

"Israel, to assure yourself of God's blessings, be very careful to honor God by obeying Him."

God is not and never has been impressed with 'lip service.' 'Lip service' occurs when people speak well of God when they think He is present, but speak against Him when they think He is absent. In such people's minds, they think serving God is merely about words and has nothing to do with actions. God surely wishes to be honored by our words, but He wants good words to flow from godly behavior.

Do you think you belong to God because of your importance or His nature? Do you seek to honor God with empty words or with words that flow from obedient behavior?