Identity Crisis? (Karen Block)

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‘I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.’

Psalm 139:14

Does our identity as Christians shape every aspect of our lives? Do we live with an  understanding that our heavenly Father knows us in ways we can't possibly imagine or dare to dream? Most of the time, I don’t really reflect on this truth unless confronted with a particular challenge or taking intentional ‘time out’ to focus.

God's justice is ultimately the only justice we should care about. Other human witnesses shouldn’t matter (excluding the rule of law and ethical justice systems). If we feel shame, hatred, jealousy or despair, our Father already knows this and wants us to give everything back to him for healing and restoration. The Psalms speak so beautifully of a very real relationship with God: the conflict, the pain, the anger and frustration, the inspiration and awe. A God who ‘restores our soul’.

Our lives are a beautiful work in progress before conception but there is something quite cruel about childbirth – taken from a hidden, safe place and delivered into the world. Even in the womb, we can be scarred and traumatised by addiction, trauma or genetic defects beyond our control. But we are ‘reborn’ as children of God – who directs and keeps redirecting our life because he cares about us.

Justice for all human life is biblical: BC, AD, 18century, 2020. Our own personal journey is not a competition against anybody else. The church is Christ’s body, so it really matters how we treat each other and help each other. Jesus is perfect but we are not.

We all need safe, loving places and people who can hold us to account and nurture us. Friends, leaders and teachers to help us on our journey and enable us to realise our potential and 'be still and know that I am God'.

A prayer: Abba, Father, forgive us and each other when we forget who we are and who you tell us we are. Help us accept your unique gifts and use them for your glory so that we can see and experience your justice here on earth. Amen

Karen Block

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