Let's get personal, but not too personal. Not just yet.
My name does not matter, nor do the names of my readers. Quite frankly, who we are has no significance when relating to each other as person to person. Our only significance comes from that of something outside of us, something that bestows significance upon us, something that chooses to give us significance.
My accomplishments are worthless as my resume discloses my insufficiency and incapability. My inheritance, my treasures, my fiscal worth can buy me many things, but cannot buy me the things that approach the top of Maslow's hierarchy of needs. Moreover, it cannot reserve me a spot in the consolation of another life. My relationships and friendships are insignificant, as those around me can do no thing that will satisfy me as a being is intended to be satisfied.
Who I am is washed, sanctified, and justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of God. I am made righteous, I will inherit the kingdom of God, and I am not to be deceived.
Some of us once were one of the following: sexually immoral, idolaters, adulterers, practicing homosexuals, thieves, misers, drunkards, revilers, or swindlers.
Perhaps you were none of the aforementioned, but I'd kindly ask that if we are to have a conversation, you make a very thorough, and honest investigation of who you are.
If you have ever worshiped anything other than God, you are an idolater--you have worshiped an idol. Did you ever put your hope in money, in relationships, in accomplishments? You have idolized something other than God. Did you ever hold someone in such high esteem that you worshiped them, hoped in them, found identity through them? Then you have made an idol. You are an idolater.
Have you ever looked lustfully upon another person? Jesus says that even if you look at a woman lustfully, you have committed adultery with her in your heart. You are an adulterer.
What about taking things that do not belong to you? If you have done so, you are a thief.
Have you had intercourse with someone that you were not married to? You are sexually immoral.
Sex with someone of the same gender? A practicing homosexual.
Not shared what you own to help others less fortunate? You are self-centered and greedy.
Dependent on alcohol? Chronically drinking? You are a drunk.
These are specific people that will never inherit the kingdom of God.
We are all born unrighteous. We then all grew up unrighteous.
However, for some of us, who we are has become who we were. With Christ we were washed, sanctified, and justified in Christ. And by his stripes we are healed. And by his sacrifice we are forgiven. And by his salvation we are restored.
This is the story of who we were, and who we are becoming.
