Defy Your LimitationsSample

In biblical scholarship, there is a concept called the Rule of First Mention, which is a fancy way of saying that when you see a theme in the Bible for the first time, that theme will set the tone for the rest of that biblical story. From the very start of the Bible, we see this concept in action in Genesis with the Creation – we discover who God says we are supposed to be when He creates humanity, and we see Satan for the evil he is with his disguises and tricks. Causing confusion and removing us from our intended identity is how Satan first tries to attack humanity, and it’s the same tactic he uses with us today.

The most tragic part of the Fall of Man is that it happened because Adam and Eve forgot who they were. The serpent said they would be like God if they ate from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil that we see in Genesis 2:9 and 17. As seen in today’s readings, this wasn’t necessary because Adam and Eve were already like God – He made humanity in His image.

We have a choice regarding our identity – either take on our identity as children of God or buy into Satan’s lie that we are not enough and must prove our worth to create some semblance of who we are.

We do not have to carry the weight of creating our identity because God has already done that for us, helping His children discover and grow into who He wants us to be.

Our society seems to be facing a crisis of extreme identity confusion, mainly because many people are unaware of or indifferent to God’s plan for them. We have everything we need to live the life He desires for us to live, but it is up to us to listen to His guidance, follow His plan, and embrace our unique skills and traits to create the life God wants us to lead.

Spend some time in prayer today – not just talking to God but also listening to His voice. Ask Him to remind you who you are and rest today in your identity as a child of God.