Humans are complex and ever-changing, and yet many people want to reduce themselves and others to a label. We tend to categorize and label people by age, occupation, or ancestry, label them by their political party, education, or marital status, or make judgement calls that label them as a troublemaker, successful, dumb, or talented.
Labels are used to identify people either as belonging in a group or as not fitting into one. They can elevate people or tear them down. Labels even drive behaviors and choices, often becoming true about someone even if they weren’t correct at all. Labels don’t allow for growth, change or overcoming strongholds, but God does.
Moses wanted to be able to prove God’s identity to the people when he was to deliver the news to Pharoah that he was supposed to release all of the people he was currently using as free labor, so likely in fear and trembling, he asked God to tell him his name.
God replied to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.” Say this to the people of Israel: I AM has sent me to you.” – Exodus 3:14
Notice that God didn’t need any other label to define his identity. Unlike humans, he had no need to justify or describe himself with a label. God was, and is, all sovereign.
Jesus, in the New Testament, always stated his identity in relation to God himself. I AM, said Jesus… the bread of life, the light of the world, the door, the good shepherd, the resurrection and the life, and the true vine. His labels, given to himself and of others, were ALWAYS in relation to the identity ascribed by God himself.
Do the labels you give yourself reflect who God says you are? Or are they defined by opinion, culture, or a passing phase? Do the labels you give yourself hem you in, tear you down, or oversimplify the unique person that you are?
What if every label fell away? Who would you be at your core? Who would God say you are?
Challenge the use of labels when you’re looking at other people, too. Ask God to show you who he made them to be, and be prepared to be humbled as you begin to see how little that God cares about the things that society says are so important.
And the next you begin to say I am _____________, or they are ____________, take the time to step back to instead ask God how he sees the humans he created.
WHO AM I to you, God?
Who is that person to you, Lord?