Defined Not Labeled by Martin Wiles

I’ve been labeled a few times in my life; fortunately, none of them stuck. 

Growing up, I was labeled a PK (Preacher’s Kid). The label was accurate because my father was a preacher, but the label was designed to speak more than about whom I was. PK’s are usually considered bad kids, and I lived up to the tag. Why I felt the need to act badly, I’m not sure. Perhaps because I wanted to demonstrate that I didn’t have to be good just because my father was a pastor.
  
And of course, there are other labels people might attempt to paste on others: porn addict, alcoholic, druggie, abuser, lawyer, doctor, teacher, slut, etc. But who I am is described by what Christ did in my behalf. He paid for you with the precious lifeblood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God. (I Peter 1:19 NLT)

While others may label me because of what I presently do or have done in the past, God defines me by what his Son has completed on the cross. I’m a blood-bought child of God first and then other things secondly. I’m a child of God who happens to be a teacher and minister now but who lingered on the edge of alcoholism in the past. 

I am also a completely forgiven son of God whose sins will never be held against him again. I can never be held under condemnation now or in the future. Christ was condemned for me. All my past, present, and future sins were paid for on the cross.

So while others may attempt to label me by what I was or did in the past, God defines me by who I am now based on the work of his Son. And what God says is far superior to what others may say. Don’t let others label you because of your past mistakes. Be who you are in Christ.

Prayer: Thank You merciful God for making us new creations in Christ Jesus.  

Help spread the encouragement by sharing this site with a friend.