Who Are You?

"James, a bondservant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad: Greetings."  James 1:1 (NKJV)

So many times in life we are asked questions that relate to finding out who we are.  These questions can become difficult if we really don’t know the answer ourselves.  We answer these varied questions by stating who we believe we are, but most often times we answer these questions by what we do as a vocation.  Because of this, we face the dilemma of being categorized by titles, roles, and positions in the workplace, our communities, and even in the church, which can subsequently result in arrogance or even self-pity because of worldly standards.  James, the brother of Jesus (Galatians 1:19), is a great example of how to free ourselves from the subtle and ever-increasing desire of wanting to identify ourselves by a position, a role, or by what we do as an occupation, hobby, or title.

The book of James begins with an introduction and a description that James gives of himself.  As you read, notice that you do not see the description as, “James, the brother of Jesus”,  “James, one who is related to Christ”, “James, the brother of the Son of God”, or “I, James, who would know Jesus best because I am His brother.”  No, James introduces himself and describes himself as a “bond-servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ...” (James 1:1).  James unashamedly, humbly, and willfully identifies himself to others as a servant of Christ.  By the grace of God, James was able to value and see great significance in being a true servant of Christ rather than seeking to esteem himself as the brother of the Son of God. 
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Consider your life.  Think of the great peace, rest, joy, and security that come with being free from seeking or placing worth, value, and significance in a title, role, or position from a vocation or hobby.  What if that title, role, or position were lost, taken from you, or given to someone else…where then would your identity and purpose lie? Pray and ask God to give you great joy and contentment in the great privilege of being a servant of the King of all Kings, the Son of God Jesus Christ.  If you don’t know Jesus relationally, please read “What is Salvation?” to learn what it means to be saved so that you can know Jesus Christ as your Savior and begin your relationship with Him today.