Living for God in a Godless Society Part 1Sample

CHOOSING YOUR TRUE IDENTITY

Not only did Daniel and his friends experience the isolation of exile and the indoctrination of evil teaching, but their captors also attempted to reverse their identities by changing their names. Their Hebrew names honored Yahweh, the one true God. Their new Babylonian names honored false gods. Daniel (God is my judge) was changed to Belteshazzar (O Lady, wife of the god Bel, protect the king). Hananiah (Yahweh is gracious) became Shadrach (I am very fearful of god). Mishael (Who is what God is) was turned to Meshach (I am of little account). Azariah (Yahweh is a helper) was called Abednego (servant of the shining one Nebo). Imagine them hearing false gods celebrated every time they were spoken to! Though their names were changed, these friends lived with spiritual resolve, true to their Hebrew names, and faithful to the Most High God.

Like Daniel and his friends, we are exiles in a culture that calls us “names”- trying to make us feel inferior, less than who we have become in Christ. One of the beautiful refrains of scripture is that God has made you in His image and that you belong to the good Father. Whatever names the world gives you, they are not your true name- Child of God. Beloved.

Ask Yourself:

-What false names or identities have those around you tried to place on you?

-What false names have you called yourself?

-How does reminding yourself of how God sees you and loves you change how you feel about yourself and how you see other people?

Pause to Pray: Father, I need to be reminded of how much You love me and see me as Your child. I forget so easily and start believing the lies from others and even myself. Help me remember that just as a father with a newborn baby, You rejoice over me and love even to watch me breathe. Amen.

Take a Next Step: Write down three aspects of your identity in Christ and remind yourself of these truths this week.