Finding Your Place: Finding and Living the life God has planned for you

There are many ways by which people 'define' their lives and choose to live:

 

Some time ago, I stumbled upon an ad for one of those ancestry services that became so popular.  The ad focused on the story of a man who had always believed he was of German ancestry. So, to carry on the tradition of his German heritage, he often dressed in traditional Bavarian clothes, sang songs and performed in dance groups that featured German traditions.  He was happy with his Germanic heritage and made many good friends through these activities.  Interestingly, though, when he finally signed up to discover his family lineage, he found minimal German lineage; however, he had a powerful Italian ancestry!  He felt obligated to 're-define' his life so that his hobbies and interests were more consistent with his true ancestry.  He joined groups that honored and practiced his newfound Italian heritage. He had to learn new songs and dance steps to reflect who he was accurately. This transformation, guided by faith, is a powerful testament to the potential of faith to shape our lives.

While the man's reaction to his ancestry is extreme, it vividly demonstrates the profound influence of one's 'identity' on their life. This concept, deeply rooted in the Bible, is a powerful force that can shape our lives in ways  we may not realize.

 

In both the Old and New Testaments, God speaks to his people about 'who they are.'   God teaches the reader who they 'are' and who they 'identify as' and can guide them as they determine the course of their lives. In one Old Testament Passage, Moses said this: ". . . You shall live in booths for seven days; all the native-born in Israel shall live in booths so that your generations may know that I had the sons of Israel live in booths when I brought them out from the land of Egypt.  I am the Lord, you God."   Leviticus 23: 42-43

 

Moses was teaching his people to 'act out' how their ancestors had survived the wanderings in the desert after the Exodus experience on a special once-a-year holiday called The Feast of Booths.  This was part of a larger celebration where the people would erect a small tent, or hut, outside their homes and live for a week to be reminded of how God worked in their history to form them as His people, the nation Israel.  As they participated in this practice year after year, they would begin to create their 'identity' as the chosen people of God, Israel.  It was a powerful teaching tool and was instrumental in helping them remember their heritage and make choices to further their lives of faith.  

 

There are many examples of this kind of thing in the Bible, all with the same intent:  to help God's people 'identify' with God and continue practicing their faith.  One short passage in the New Testament was also compelling:  "Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law, having become a curse for us  for it is written, 'Cursed  is everyone who hangs on a tree'- so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come the Gentiles so that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith."   Galatians 3:12-14.  Here, Paul was explaining to the Jewish Christians that their identity as Christians was because of Christ's work on the cross, just like the Gentiles.  Indeed, there was no difference at all because all who are "in Christ" are God's people, and they should live accordingly.

 

Who you 'are' is important!  God calls us to live 'in Christ' and to identify as God's people.  When we do this, our lives will be shaped by that conviction, and our faith will be a powerful force in our lives – just like God intended!  This, of course, will be a guide in every area of life and a way through which God can bless, use, and bring us joy.

 

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Thank you for listening. We will see you next week!