On one occasion when Paul was preaching the gospel in the city of Ephesus, a certain group of vagabonds sought to emulate Paul by taking it upon themselves to cast out a demon. When these men sought to do such, the evil spirit turned on them and said, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?” (Acts 19:15).
“Who are you?” This is such a simple question, yet profound at the same time. In its most simply form, we usually answer that we are such and so who works here and lives there. For most, that is the extent to which they desire to know who we are; but are we personally satisfied with knowing ourselves in such a superficial manner? I hope not. There is so much more that we ought to know about ourselves than what our name is and where we work.
“Who are you?” When we seek to answer this question in a deeper way, we may start examining some of the relationships that we have and looking at ourselves in light of those relationships. “I am a husband, wife, father, mother, son, daughter, grandfather, grandmother, uncle, aunt, cousin, in-law” and on the list could go. We may even start to enumerate the relationships we have outside of our family. “I am a boss, employee, teacher, carpenter, engineer, preacher, chef, administrator, assistant,” and etc. Yet even at this level, we are still just scratching the surface as to who we are.
“Who are you?” Let’s plunge even deeper to find the answer to this question. We may, in answer to this question, start to discuss some of our character traits, whether good or bad. “I am honest, dependable, hardworking, kind, generous, truthful, loving, clean, sober, helpful” and etc. Others may look at us though and have a different way of describing us. They may say, “He is deceitful, untrustworthy, lazy, mean, hateful, stingy, dirty, selfish” and etc. The kind of list we make depends upon the kind of life that we live and the kind of life that we live depends upon the beliefs that we have. But still, while we are getting deeper into this question, there is yet more.
“Who are you?” When we strip away all that we think of ourselves and that everyone else thinks of us, there is only one answer with which we are left. “I am the creation of God.” The Bible teaches that man is made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). This means that he is a unique and special creation out of all of God�s creation. From the time of our birth to our death, we live to make a life that is worthy of our creation and Creator. We can so live our life so as to glorify and honor our Creator. Or, we can choose to so live so as to rebel against Him and bring shame and dishonor upon ourselves. Perhaps a greater question than the question “Who are you?” is the question “Who do you want to be?”
To answer that question I say, “I want to be a Christian.” To be a Christian means that we return to our creation, to live in the image of God. We can know how to live in the image of God because God has shown us His image in His Son, Jesus. 2 Corinthians 4:4 and Hebrews 1:3 tells us that Christ is the image of God. And Colossians 3:10 tells us that when we become a Christian we put on the image of Christ. Hence, to be a Christian is to live in the image of Christ and thus to live in the image of God. If you want to live according as God has created you, then you will be a Christian.
“Who are you?” I am a Christian. No additional descriptions required. If I am truly a Christian, then others are going to know what I am in relationship with God; they are going to know what I am morally; they are going to know what I am in my relationship with my family; they are going to know what I am in the work place; they are going to know what I am regardless of what I do or where I live. That name says it all; I’m a Christian and I hope that you will choose to be one too.