Who Do You Think You Are

This question might come to us as a challenge to our identity, position or authority. It is usually in a critical tone meant to intimidate us from moving forward. Like the serpent in the garden that spoke doubt and confusion to Eve. He sows doubt concerning God’s word to us. If we break out of old patterns to walk in the authority God says we have he will bring up that critical question. “Who do you think you are?” He wants us to take ownership of this critical thought because he knows our thoughts are powerful in forming our identity and direction.

If the deceiver’s questioning voice can shake our confidence and inject uncertainty about our identity then he has at least temporarily prevented our forward progress and spiritual growth. Our thinking patterns not only affect our identity but our destiny. Just as we must know where we are to proceed to our destination we must know who we are to fulfill our destiny in Christ. Our “God thoughts” will always be challenged by the one who wants to keep us from our destiny. In reality our enemy fights to keep us from repentance or changing our thinking patterns.

There have been some who actually believed they were Jesus Christ. They agreed with the spirit of antichrist who twists bible verses and with flattery puffs up their pride. On the other hand those who humbly seek to be conformed to the image of Christ hear that critical voice questioning the validity of their motives. It is so ironic that he will tell the one person they are the Christ then tell the other he has no business thinking he can be Christ-like. If the deceiver can not cause us to fall short of our destiny he will try to push us beyond it. So it is not only important that we know God’s written word but His voice as well. God is love and His voice will bear the fruit of love. His love is patient, kind, and gentle. Never boastful, nor will He inflate our egos. He will never flatter or condemn those truly seeking His truth.

Most of us are familiar with GPS--- global positioning or navigation devices for our automobiles. It normally requires three or more satellite signals to pin point our location. Without a location the GPS device is nothing more than an important looking gadget unable to lead us to our destination. In a similar way knowing our own identity is crucial to fulfilling our destiny in God. Deuteronomy 19:15 says there must be two or three witnesses to confirm a matter before judgment can be made. Jesus quoted this passage in Matthew 18:16 concerning settling disputes with a brother. This principal can be used to verify or confirm our identity.

Jesus would not bear witness of Himself lest His identity be in question. (See John 5:31) He was following proper protocol not implying He was not trustworthy but I believe He was acting as an example for us. Our identity must be verified by the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit, these three agree as one. The scriptures testified of the Christ, John the Baptist testified of Him, the Father spoke from heaven (This is my beloved Son) and the Spirit rested upon Jesus at His baptism. The devil will challenge our identity just as he did Christ’s in the wilderness but because of those who bare witness we shall not be moved.

1st John 4&5 teaches us the difference between the spirit of truth and the spirit of error. We know that we are of God if we love one another. His Spirit within us bears witness to the truth. Like the three satellites used to determine a position there are three that bear witness on earth, the Spirit the water and the blood and there are three that bear witness in heaven, the Father the Word and the Holy Ghost. In the context of these verses John assures his readers of their identity. Just as Christ was born of God, those who love Him will also love those who are begotten of Him. The one who is born of God also overcomes the world. Having our identity established in Christ is crucial to overcoming the world and the devil’s critical voice.

Who do you think you are? You must agree with the three that bear witness in heaven and on earth, they testify to your identity. The Father, the Word and the Holy Spirit declare us to be the Children of God. We should not accept an identity that is not witnessed to by these three.