Who are you?
by Ben HeileHave you ever sat under the stars, maybe on the hood of your car, and looked out into the fathomless beyond and wondered, “Who am I?” For me it’s easy. I’m Ben. Done. It took me like a millisecond to answer. The real, intrinsic truth of who I am is based on faith in Scripture. Scripture tells me, because of Christ’s finished work, that I am a redeemed son of God left on this earth, enveloped and led by the Holy Spirit to accomplish the work He gives me. I have become a Prince working out the will of my Father, all the while learning and becoming more like Christ, more regal. In Lion King terms, I’m working on my roar. For some folks, sadly, it’s not that easy.
Without faith in Scripture, the world is left to make up its own reality or just remain unsure. We are immersed in culture, seeking to find an identity and a purpose. Contemporary American culture throws out a trillion answers. People identify themselves by their job, their hobby, their geography, their family, each producing people who don’t know what they’re doing, why they’re here, why they even exist.
In the South, it seems simpler. Folks simply join a church and that’s who they are. They come in, sit down and have the preacher take care of all the big questions. But that’s not what Christ called us to, and we should thank God that His plan wasn’t so one-dimensional. The preacher isn’t the only one who has the honor of working for the Lord.
In your mind, you have to decide what you’re going to be. “Am I at LHWH to be a missionary to our city or to be served by Long Hollow closer to home?” Do you burn, with an abiding burn, for the souls of White House people? When was your cheek last wet with tears as you prayed for the gospel to go forth? Family, there is coming a judgment, when the sheep will be separated from the goats, the wheat from the tares, and one will receive reward, the other the fire. I am not content to sit on Sundays, watch a screen, then go home to TV and food. I will fight. He has made me a missionary. If you’re not fighting along with me, whatever your gift may be, then who are you?
Ben
