Who are you?” boomed front man Roger Daltrey of The Who, channeling guitarist Pete Townshend’s angry lyrics. The 1978 song has attained iconic status, perhaps because it resonates with so many of us. Deep down, we really don’t care what we are. The real question is who we are.
Paul’s letter to the Ephesians divides neatly into two sections. In chapters 1–3, Paul simply reminded his readers who they were—adopted sons and daughters of Jesus Christ. As such, they had . . .
• redemption and forgiveness (Ephesians 1:7)
• a guaranteed inheritance through Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:11-14)
• eternal life by God’s grace (Ephesians 2:1-10)
• intimacy, peace, reconciliation, and unity with God and His children (Ephesians 2:11-18)
• citizenship in the dwelling place of God (Ephesians 2:19-22)
Because of who we are, Paul could turn his attention in chapters 4–6 to commands and instructions for us. “Lead a life worthy of your calling, for [we] have been called by God,” he wrote (Ephesians 4:1). “Keep yourselves united in the Spirit” (Ephesians 4:3). We are to “imitate God . . . because [we] are His dear children” (Ephesians 5:1). “Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion” (Ephesians 6:18).
“Can you see the real me?” demanded Daltrey in another desperate, searching song by The Who. Were we to ask that question of a watching world, the answer ought to be a resounding yes. Our lives are to be open books. We are “people of light” who don’t need to hide in the shadows (Ephesians 5:8).
Other people may not understand us. But they should wonder about the mysterious plan that is God’s church (Ephesians 3:3) and inquire about it. Our answer? We are simply forgiven and accepted by God as His children and reconciled to Him by His Son Jesus, who gave up His life for us (Ephesians 5:25).
So, who are you?
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Acts 10:24-48
More:
What does Ephesians 2:19-22 tell us is the basis for our unity with other believers in Jesus Christ?
Next:
Is your life an open book to others? What might you be hiding and why?
mike on October 24, 2012 at 5:27 am
Wonderful reminder of our standing in Christ.
I appreciate so much the freedom found in being redeemed and reconciled to God.
No longer do I need to search for or try to define for myself this identity but rather as I have had the privilege through grace to be made whole in Christ.
The Apostle Paul tells me in Galatians 2:20 that;
“I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.”
Thank-you for the encourging words and wonderful reminder.
Gene on October 24, 2012 at 8:29 am
This standing enables us to “Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love..” (Ephesians 4:2).
tim gustafson on October 24, 2012 at 9:25 am
Gene, I should post that verse right in front of me every day! We always want others to bear with us in our faults, but how slow I am to extend others the very grace I want and need.
GChoo on October 24, 2012 at 8:29 am
Tim, thank you for the scriptures to remind us who we are in Christ. We live in a world of materialism and fantasy which mislead us into becoming what we are than truly who we are.
Thank you God for His Word to put us back to reality and His Great Love for us to knowing our true identity. Yes, Mike as you said the ‘freedom’ in being redeemed and reconciled with God – it’s just wonderful.
nkolivier on October 24, 2012 at 9:36 am
thanks for the message.we do need like this in our daily living.
God bless u so much
tom felten on October 24, 2012 at 9:52 am
Great question, Tim. How we view ourselves affects how we view God and others. We need to see ourselves how God views us!
Kathy @ In Quiet Places on October 24, 2012 at 4:08 pm
The best part of knowing who I am, is knowing I am His!
tom felten on October 25, 2012 at 10:06 am
Amen, Kathy. What a matchless gift we have received! (Ephesians 2:8).
davidbeloved on October 25, 2012 at 12:05 am
All,
Isn’t it TRULY Amasing and Wonderful and Awesome how we are changed when we realize the love and the grace we are given by our Lord and God!
winn collier on October 25, 2012 at 1:23 pm
The Who and the Apostle Paul. Who’d have thunk it?