WHO ARE YOU?

MARK 8:27-9:1

WHO ARE YOU?

" ‘But what about you,’ [Jesus] asked, ‘Who do you say that I am?’ "  Mark 8:29

Jesus asked his disciples who people said he was.  There were a variety of answers, but none on point.  Then he said, "But what about you, who do you say that I am?"  Peter answered, "You are the Messiah."  This seemed to satisfy Christ.  

How often do we ask that question, "Who do you say that I am?"  Do you like to evaluated by others?  I don't.   Asking others what they think of you is scary and uncomfortable.   We all cringe when we are evaluated at our job or by our spouse, partner or family member.  And yet, Jesus sought out others' opinions about him.   He needed to know that someone understood who he was. 

I believe that we should turn this around.  We cannot and should not live as others want.  We need to chart our own direction, with God's guidance, but if we ask our friends and acquaintances who they say that we are, what will they say?  When they describe us, will they use adjectives like generous, patient, kind, or even better, Christian?  Who would God say we are?  Would He say that we follow His direction, we care for His flock, and He is pleased with us?  

God, please help us to live the life that You will for us, and help us to live every day so that You are pleased with us.  Amen.

~ Hugh Wellons