Lessons From My Dad: You Are Not What Has Happened To You

“You are not what has happened to you.” Another lesson my dad taught me. This lesson is so important, especially in today’s culture. We live in a world where people love to be the victim. In fact, it’s much easier to focus on being wronged and live under that identity than to pursue healing and strength after experiencing pain and opposition. The Bible says that through Jesus, we are more than conquerors (Romans 8:37). 1 Corinthians 15:57 says, “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Dad would never allow me to play the victim card. He knew that it was dangerous and fruitless for success in life. The blame game is a surefire way to destruction. It allows us to deflect responsibility and wallow in our pain. Instead of living as a victim, Dad taught me that my identity is found in Jesus and Jesus alone. It is NOT what has happened to me. It is neither my successes or my failures. A life focused on successes can create pride and a life focused on failures can trigger despair. Over time, as I have become increasingly sure of my new identity in Christ, I am not crippled by the people who want to hurt me or the bad circumstances that have happened to me. After all, they happen to us all, don’t they? I have been adopted as a child of the King of kings. I have royal blood flowing through my veins. THAT is my true identity. I am in Christ. A new creation. The old has passed away. The new has come (2 Corinthians 5:17). Can you say the same? If not, I pray you will encounter the love of Jesus and be changed forever. Your identity is not in what has happened to you, but who Jesus says you are.