Did you ever play the game, “Guess Who?”  This was a game where both players would each choose 1 person out of a large group of people.  The point of the game was, by asking different physical characteristics of the person, you would try to figure out the individual that was chosen by the opposing player.  It was basically guessing who the chosen person was.  We’d like to start off this morning with another honest question-  who are you?  It’s such a short and simple question, but the answer to that question may seem harder to really answer.  We know that students struggle with identity, but let’s be honest, sometimes we struggle with it as adults as well.  Sometimes it’s easy to define who we are based on our roles or what we do.  The problem with all those things is that they are dependent on outside influences.  Psalm 139 gives us some insight on who we are as well as whose we are.

Psalm 139:13-16- “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.  I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.  My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.  Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.”

Do you remember when your child was young and they would create or draw something for you?  You don’t have to let your student know, but let’s be real, most of the time it wasn’t something astounding.  You loved it because your child created it, but chances are, it was some heavy duty scribbling/coloring art project or something put together with tape or glue.  If it was something fairly nice, you know that it had to be the teacher that really put it together.  BUT, your child was so proud giving it to you, right?  Why?  Because they were so proud of their work.  Parent, you have been created on purpose and for a purpose.  As a sculptor creates a work of art from nothing, so God has created you.  You are His work of art.  There is only one YOU!

Ephesians 2:10- “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”

What is great about all these verses is that none of them define who you are based upon anything else except for the fact that you were created intentionally and with great pride.  God was so proud when He formed you.  You aren’t an accident or a mistake.  God molded you and shaped you exactly as He wanted you to be.

Just like this world is screaming at young people today about their identities, who they are, who they need to be like, and who they need to follow, the world is also trying to get our attention as well.  Parent, don’t buy into it.  You are God’s work of art. 

If you don’t have a relationship with the Lord, then today is your day to define who you are and whose you are.  It’s a decision that only you can make.  We know many students have made the same decision and more will be making that decision as the week goes on.  Is today your day?  If you don’t have a relationship with Jesus, then say this prayer out loud to Him- “Jesus, I know I need you.  As best as I know how, I ask you into my heart.  Come into my life right now and turn me into the person you want me to be.  Help me to live my life for you.  Thank you for loving me and thank you for forgiving me.  I love you.  In Jesus’ name I pray- Amen.”

Remember who you are and remember whose you are.

We’re In Your Corner-

The Student Ministry Staff Team