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Articles
Who am I today?
In a person’s daily life he is designated by many different names or titles that apply to him. Monday thru Friday a person may be an employee of a local business or a retiree relaxing after a life of work. Kids everywhere are celebrating summer and no longer having to be students. They are finally free from homework and their teachers. Each of us carry some type of designation that gives a defined role in life. Whether it be student, employee, or boss, all of these give us a role in life. Therefore, who am I today?
The first term that comes to my mind is husband. I have been a spouse for over ten years. As a husband, God commands that I love my wife and be willing to provide for her needs (Ephesians 5:25-28; 1 Timothy 5:18). A husband and wife are to be a team united by similar goals and aspirations. They should be complementary workers in directing their home toward faithfulness to God, not competitors in who makes the most money, or who does the most work around the house. A divided home can never truly succeed (Matthew 12:25). The husband and wife are to be one flesh. “What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate” (Matthew 19:6).
Another term that defines my role on earth is father. I have indeed been blessed by God with three healthy, handsome boys. Children are truly “gifts from God,” and our duty as parents is to be teachers and mentors for our children. The father is to be a spiritual leader in his home. He should teach his children, by word and deed, the Word of God. Moses told the parents of Israel:
6 “These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. 7 “You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up. 8 “You shall bind them as a sign on your hand and they shall be as frontals on your forehead. 9 “You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.
A mother’s role in instruction is also vital in a young child’s life. She nurses him when he is a baby and nurtures him as he grows into a toddler and young child. A mother should be able to guide her children to God and faithful service, simply by her actions and inner spirit.
I am also reminded of my role to my parents as their son. I have left mother and father and have been joined to my wife, but I still have a duty, as a son, to honor my parents for all my life. The Pharisees tried to circumvent this command in Jesus‘ day by the establishment of their own traditions, but the Lord corrected their misconception. Jesus simply reminded them of the fifth command, “Honor your father and mother” (Exodus 20:12; Matthew 15:4-6). Paul would also remind the Ephesians that this command is the first commandment with a promise (Ephesians 6:2-3). While my duties to my father and mother have changed, my relationship as their son continues.
Beyond these three terms that define my life on earth there is one that seems to be missing. This designation has been lost in many people’s lives today. This emptiness cannot be filled by the other roles, but can only be filled by faithfulness to God. The final title that should define our roles and lives on earth is Christian. A person may be a great son, husband and father, or daughter, wife and mother, but one’s destiny is not ultimately determined by success in such roles, but by faithfulness to God. If my life was to end today so would my role as husband, father and son but not my role as Christian. Am I prepared for this step or will I be found lacking?
We are defined by the roles and designations that we take on in life. Some of these terms may not necessarily apply in every person’s life, but one will always be greater than the rest - Christian. Our privilege of wearing the name of Christ is the most wonderful blessing given to us by God. Without His love for us, we would be lost and hopeless in view of eternity. May we be dedicated to doing our best in every role that we sustain on earth, but may our faithfulness to God always be number one. The price has been paid so heaven is attainable. Therefore, we are without excuse before God if we do not choose to humbly obey His Son and become His servant.
