Hi, what's your name? That's probably the most common question asked after a greeting. The next is probably, What do you do for a living? But, who are we really? Is who we are a title, an occupation or something else?
Whether it is an informal meeting, business meeting or a date, it's one of the ways we get to know others after the visual assessment. However, how we look or act sometimes speaks louder than our words. Sometimes we can tell what a person is or does by the way he or she dresses.
Many people like to be known for what they do, especially men. Even some women do, including some married women who want a title beyond just "wife" or "mother." So now they're homemakers or career mothers. But, is that who they really are? Appearances and occupational status can be too important in much of western society, but it's not at all important to God.
Jesus chose fishermen, a tax collector, a zealot and various "nobodies" as his first disciples. He also associated with the poor, the weak and sinners. He also had a few rich friends. But, Jesus cautioned people not to judge by outward appearances, and not to show partiality within the church (the body of Christ). He rebuked the Pharisees for the clothes they wore as to draw attention to themselves, also how they wanted to be greeted by others, also their work habits and ethics—making themselves special and above others. Maybe we should keep that in mind the next time we go clothes shopping or job hunting. Mostly, we should be ourselves and find pleasure in just being a child of God. Just like a snowflake, no two alike, yet we all have specific purposes and beauty in life to express in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Our identities must be found in him, for "what does it matter if we gain the whole world [possessions and human attention] and lose our souls."
Jesus cautioned his disciples after their experiences with the power to deliver people from sicknesses and diseases and the raising of the dead. He said, "It is better to glory in the fact that your name is written down in heaven, the Book of Life." (Luke 10:20). Jesus also mentioned,"Many will say to Me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, and cast out demons in Your name, and done manywonders in Your name?" And He will reply, " Depart from me, for I never knew you." (Mat.7:22,23)
In the area of true importance and eternal values, it's not what we say, what we do, or who we know, but who knows us that really matters.
At one time in my life, painting and being an artist was both enjoyable and very important to me. I liked seeing people's reactions and pleasure when they looked at or purchased a painting of mine. I had invested over 20 years of my life improving the talent God had given me. My work was impressive to many people, and I received a lot of recognition even though I didn't really seek it. However, it is an occupation where many artists hope to be recognized and become famous because of their work. I wasn't much different.
At forty years of age, God saved me from myself and gave me a new interest in Him. A couple of years later, after reading a passage in the Bible (1 King 19:19-21, about the call of Elisha), I felt God wanted me to follow Elisha's example. So I had a Burning Bridge Party at a church where I displayed 30 of my paintings of all sizes and shared the new direction God was taking me to a group of friends. I wanted to show my appreciation to all them by giving each of the 12 couples, one of my paintings. They were very pleased with my offer. I told each couple why I appreciated them and then asked them to go up and picked their favorite one off the wall and returned to their seat with their gift. When the last couple had picked, I asked them to stay and visit, and have some cake and refreshments that we had brought.
While they were enjoying their gift, talking and having some refreshments, I gather the remaining paintings and took them outside. Then I went back into the fellowship room and asked my guests to come outside with me for the rest of the party. When we had all gathered outside, they stood there watching in disbelief, as I set fire and burned the remaining paintings worth thousands of dollars. Along with my easel and display panels, all in one big blaze out on the gravel parking lot. Most could not believe their eyes or comprehend the full meaning of what they were seeing, but God did. Even though I shared it was my way of demonstrating how much God meant to me and how he had changed my life. I was ending my profession by burning the bridges to my occupation and my past way of thinking, and choosing a life and career with Jesus Christ. Ten years later He had me change my name. Another 10 years have gone by and now I'm starting a new ministry with His name tag, Israel David—a friend and a son of God.
Note: As Christians, even if you don't have a prophetic calling on your life, one should still consider separating themselves from their past lifestyle, things and relationships that hinder your walk with the Lord. Have a burning bridge party with some new and maybe some old friends and let them know the new desires of your heart or just be by yourself, with God, and then present yourself a living sacrifice in love and obedience to God. The most important thing is to be known as a son or daughter of God, regardless of your calling.
