Who Am I?

Ecclesiastes says that there is a time for every season. Well, while we are still enjoying the beauty of summer, my life has changed seasons and I find myself sitting, once again, on the campus of South Dakota State University beginning my Junior Year. A few short weeks ago, however, you would have found me at home, in my bedroom, staring at my walls and shelves, accompanied by a blue storage container with the words "Aaron's Room" labeled neatly on the cover. It was time. It has been over 2 years since graduation when I ended one chapter of my life in order to begin another. As I slowly started laying my trophies, certificates, ribbons, and plaques in the container I was slowly fighting back the tears as well. It understandably seems strange to some, but packing the contents of a very important part of my life into a 30 gallon tub seemed impossible. As I sat in the stillness of that moment, and took time to meditate on everything that I have become, an all to familiar voice whispered, “Who are you?”
The Holy Spirit asked me who I was that day. What defines me? What defines you? Am I defined by the accomplishments of my past or, as a disciple of Jesus Christ, am I defined by my faith in Him? All to often, brothers and sisters, we get caught up in the riches of the world and we forget about the riches we have in our faith. Paul said in Galatians, “I have been crucified in CHRIST and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.” As inheritors of the kingdom of heaven, Jesus Christ shares with us his unconditional love, eternal embrace, and ceaseless grace. The riches we find at the foot of the cross cannot be compared to the trophies of this world. Am I defined by the paycheck I get every month in the mail, or by those I help with the money I receive? Am I defined by the job title I hold, or by the experiences I am blessed with because of the work I do? Am I defined merely by the label of “Christian”, or do I actually live my life for the one who gave his life for me?
When my room was cleared that day I snapped down the lid on top of the tub, and placed it in the storage room in my basement. Did those experiences help shape the man I am today? Absolutely. Do they define my existence here on this earth? Absolutely not. I stand firmly today believing in the promises of 2 Corinthians 1:21-22 where it says I am marked with the seal of Christ. His spirit has been placed in my heart for safe keeping. I have been anointed. I have been defined in Him.