We wear many labels, plain and simple. Some of these labels have been placed on us by others, and there are some labels we place on ourselves. We get mixed messages that keep us from knowing who we really are and how God sees us. Our identities are often lost in what we do, and how we perform or what we look like. Think of growing up in school, we all wore labels: the smart kid, the nerd, the jock, the pretty one, the artsy one, the cheerleader, the troublemaker, the mean girl, the party guy and so on. I always tell our Harvest Prep students that when they graduate, that label will disappear in a future where no one knows them. But does it really? If we are constantly sent messages from others, they make a difference. We believe what others say about us and thus, end up wearing the label that they apply. We venture into adulthood wearing labels that invariably say, “Hello, my name is . . . I’m not good enough”.
Labels have an adhesive substance so they stick, but so do words! That’s why so much time is spent, in scripture, talking about the creative force behind what we say. Words not only create in our lives but they can create in the lives of others, as well. Basically, we can hurt or help, build-up or tear-down another just with our words alone. I won’t even go into what we can do with our actions – that’s an entire entry alone! Once the damage is done and that label is on, it takes a concerted effort to remove it. How do we do that? I’m glad you asked!
First, we have to know the truth. We have to know our truth and God’s truth. What do you say about you? You know yourself better than anyone especially those who would say hurtful or negative things. If it’s not true than you can’t believe it and cannot accept it . . . period!
Next, who does God say you are? You are His beloved! You are His dream come true! You began with a thought and were transformed into His likeness in the earth! You are so special that no one else has your fingerprints or your DNA – you are uniquely you! There is a place in God’s heart that only you can fill, and you do so like no other! If you were an only child, Jesus still would’ve died for you! You have value, you have a purpose, and no person – or their words – can take that from you. You have the real truth so accept it and BELIEVE IT!
Take every label that is negative or from your past, peel it off, and dispose of it! Now replace it with a label that says it all. This is the only label you need to wear, the only label you need to believe – “Hello, my name is . . . beloved child of God!
