Who are you?

Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men. — Matthew 4:19

If someone were to ask, “Who are you?” my guess is that you would tell a little about yourself and what you do — “I’m an electrician” or “I’m a nurse.” But that’s not really who you are — it’s what you do. Which leads to the question, If what you do is who you are, who will you be when you stop doing what you’re doing?!

Who you are is found in your relationship to Jesus. And this sense of identity will drive your behavior. Take Matthew, for example. As a tax collector during the reign of the Roman Empire, his life was driven by greed. But everything changed the day Jesus showed up and invited Matthew to follow Him (Matt. 9:9). Suddenly Matthew had a whole new identity as a follower of Christ! And he wasn’t the only one. We also read about four fishermen in Matthew 4:18-25, Peter, Andrew, James, and John, who left their nets to follow Him.

Jesus is a compelling Person, and He is still looking for followers. He wants to make something of your life by giving you the identity of a follower of Jesus. It doesn’t mean giving up your career, but it does mean that you will do your work — and all of life — according to His will and ways.

So next time someone asks, “Who are you?” I hope you’ll answer, “I’m a follower of Jesus”! — Joe Stowell

Lord, as I follow You by faith,

Help me each day to learn

That pleasing You in all I do

Must be my main concern. — Fitzhugh

READ: Matthew 4:18-25

If you are a follower of Jesus, that’s all the identity you need.

The Bible in one year:

• Deuteronomy 32-34

• Mark 15:26-47