READ: GENESIS 1:26-27; 1 CORINTHIANS 6:19; 2 CORINTHIANS 5:20; 1 PETER 2:9

As I brushed my teeth, I examined the reflection of my nametag in the bathroom mirror. By now, the words were so familiar I could even read them backwards: “CHILD OF GOD.” I smiled as my other names echoed through my head: “Image-bearer.” “Chosen People.” “Ambassador.” “Temple of the Holy Spirit.” They each flashed onto my nametag briefly as I spat out my toothpaste before gathering my backpack and walking outside.

Today will be different, I told myself. Today, I will be kind. Today, I won’t sin. Today, I will remember that I am a Child of God. I kept this promise really well…at first. I made it all the way to the school bus. Then Mason called my shoes “ratty” and went on and on about how my parents couldn’t buy me new Jordans because they were poor.

I cringed as new nametags appeared elsewhere on my jacket, identifying me as “Ratty” and “Poor.” Burning with anger, I spat back, “At least my family cares about me! Your parents just buy you stuff to make you shut up!” A nametag with “Unloved” appeared on his sleeve as his fist collided with my nose. By the time the fight ended, we each had a few bruises, a week’s worth of detention, and several more unflattering nametags.

After school, I slumped onto my bed, exhausted. Why, Lord? Why can’t I control myself? Why am I such an awful sinner? I sighed as “Sinner” arrived on my chest. I just need to be better. I just need to try harder. I just need… Silence filled my head.

“You need Me,” Jesus’s voice answered.

One by one, the nametags I had accumulated throughout the day disappeared. With each one that left, a weight lifted off of my heart. Finally, nothing was left but my one, true nametag: “CHILD OF GOD.” • Taylor Eising

• Can you think of a time you felt like the characters in this allegorical story? According to today’s verses, who does Jesus say you are? What do you think it means to find our identity in Him? (If you want to dig deeper, read Ephesians 2.)

• When we sin, it’s easy to get frustrated with ourselves and resolve to try harder. But the truth is, no matter how hard we try, we’ll struggle with sin until Jesus returns. Thankfully, God loves us with an unending love. He calls us to bring our sin to Him, confess it, rest in His forgiveness, and let Him remind us of who we are in Jesus. Consider taking some time to talk to Jesus about any sins that come to mind, and any nametags you’ve picked up that aren’t your true identity.

But to all who did receive him, he gave them the right to be children of God, to those who believe in his name. John 1:12 (CSB)