Acel van Ommen

This is a continuation of my previous blog “I Have a Branding Problem.”

In that blog, I listed down my predicament with regards to the pronunciation of my name, how I’m being introduced in my gigs and the different names that people would call me when I was younger. As I ponder about this, I remembered the time when Jesus asked a question to his disciples.

Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, He was asking His disciples, “Who do people say I am?” And they said, “Some say John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; but still others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.”-Matthew 16:13-17

People would identify Jesus as a prophet, a wise man, a good teacher, or a philosopher. In this verse, Peter confesses that Jesus is the Son of God and that He is the savior that God sent to save us from our sins. This showed that he believed that Jesus was not a mere man, but a deity in flesh. Then Jesus declared Peter blessed, since one can only profess such a conviction through a revelation by God himself.

Until now, people are divided in their belief with regards to the deity of Jesus Christ. But the underlying question is, who do you say Jesus is? Who is Jesus in your life? 

Though people say different things about Jesus, Jesus was secure of who He is.

The same way, people would tell different things about us, and we may sometimes think that we are who they say we are. The problem with that is,we lose our own identity, and we would tend to strive and do everything to please everyone.. but pleasing everyone would be impossible.. There would always be someone who won’t like you :)..The question is, would you let that affect your decisions and the way you live your life?

I want to share to you my thoughts about this, by looking at the life of Jesus. I hope this would help you be secure with who you are :)

Now when He was in Jerusalem at the Passover, during the feast, many believed in His name, observing His signs which He was doing. But Jesus, on His part, was not entrusting Himself to them, for He knew all men, and because He did not need anyone to testify concerning man, for He Himself knew what was in man. - John 2:23-25

Point 1: Jesus didn’t get his security based on the approval of people.

He knows what’s in a man. Most of these people who believed in Him, will soon shout, “Crucify Him!” few chapters after. People are fickle.

In John 3:17 As Jesus was being baptized by John the Baptist. God said “ This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased.”

Point 2: Jesus found his security in God. He knew that God was pleased with Him even before he started his ministry on Earth.

After Jesus was scourged and crowned with thorns, Pilate asked Jesus where is He from, in John 19:10-11“You do not speak to me? Do you not know that I have authority to release you, and I have authority to crucify You?” Jesus answered, “You would have no authority over Me, unless it had been given you from above; for this reason he who delivered Me to you has the greater sin.”

Point 3: Jesus was so secure of who he was and what he was tasked to do...Even if Jesus has the power over Pilate, he still decided to lay down His authority and His life to save us all from the power of sin and death. His love has greater power!

Now going back to my blog about “Branding.” With the question “ Who do you say I am?” The question now is, does it really matter? Hmmm.. Honestly, I would love people to approve of me and to like me, but if they don’t, I won’t let that control and affect me. I should stop and ask myself who is really the one qualified to define me? The only one I should find security from. I believe only my Maker can define me. Because He is the only one who knows why He created me; and why I am the way I am.

With all the names and description that were  said about me… I would rather identify myself with what God says who I am. You can choose to do that too :)

I AM LOVED…NOTHING TO PROVE…NO ONE TO IMPRESS :) ikaw din :)

Here’s a list of..

WHO I AM NOW THAT I AM IN CHRIST…(and WHO YOU ARE too when you’re in Christ)

I am accepted.

I am God’s child (John 1:12)… and therefore, a princess :)

I am Christ’s friend (John 15:15)

I have been bought with a price. I belong to God (1 Corinthians 6:19,20)

I am a saint (Ephesians 1:1)

I have direct access to God through the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 2:18)

I am complete in Christ (Colossians 2:10)

I have been redeemed and forgiven of ALL my sins (Colossians 1:14)

I am secure.

I am free forever from condemnation (Romans 8:1,2)

I cannot be separated from the love of God (Romans 8:35)

I have been established, anointed, and sealed by God (2 Corinthians 1:21,22)

I am confident that the good work that God has begun in me will be perfected. (Phil 1:6)

I have not been given a spirit of fear but of power,love and a sound mind(2Tim1:7)

I am born of God, and the evil one cannot touch me. (1 John5:18)

I am significant.

I am the salt and light of the earth. (Matt 5:13,14)

I am God’s temple (1 Corinthians 3:16)

I am God’s co-worker (1Corinthians 3:9)

I am seated with Christ in the heavenly realm. (Ephesians 2:6)

I may approach God with freedom and confidence (Ephesians 3:12)

I am God’s workmanship (Ephesians 2:10)

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Phil 4:13)