Often, when I meet someone for the first time, one of his or her initial queries to me is "What do you do?"

As much as I appreciate their interest in my life, what I do is not the most important part of knowing me. Although what I do fills the hours of my day, who I am fills the rich depths of my heart. It is who I am that matters not only in the years of my life but for all of eternity.

Upon meeting someone whom you have never met before, the question "Who are you?" might be deemed at first hearing to be rude or even sarcastic. But I think you might agree with me that "Who are you?" is an infinitely more insightful question than "What do you do?"

I have heard it said that God did not create "human doings" but that He created "human beings."

What one does on a daily basis is often defined as being the very most significant part of an individual's life, however, let me assert that I believe who one is is the true gravitas of life.

What do I do? I cook and clean and take care of grandchildren. I write books and I study the Bible and I write articles for magazines. I speak across the nation and drink coffee and write e-mails

I run a ministry and raise money and stay in touch with friends both near and far. I hang out with my husband and scroll Facebook and wish I led an Instagram-worthy life. I talk on the phone and I pray and I read books.

Now you know what I do. However, if you want to know who I am, read on.

• I am a daughter of the most-high King.
• I am blessed and favored by my Creator.
• I am unconditionally loved by my Father.
• I am forgiven.
• I am a recipient of grace.
• I am no longer a slave to fear.
• I am appointed for such a time as this.
• I am heaven-bound.
• I am protected in His care.
• I am continually on His mind.
• I am destined for greatness in the unshakable kingdom of God.
• I am the object of His highest affection.

Who are you, my friend? Who have you been created to be since the beginning of time?

If you are extracting your self-esteem from what you accomplish on any given day, you will always wonder if your life holds any lasting value. However, if you determine that your true value comes from who God says you are then you will live a life of meaning and significance.

"Put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him" (Col. 3:10, NASB).

Carol McLeod is an author and popular speaker at women's conferences and retreats, where she teaches the Word of God with great joy and enthusiasm. Carol encourages and empowers women with passionate and practical biblical messages mixed with her own special brand of hope and humor. She has written five books: No More Ordinary, Holy Estrogen!, The Rooms of a Woman's Heart, Defiant Joy! and Refined: Finding Joy in the Midst of the Fire. Her teaching DVD The Rooms of a Woman's Heart won the Telly Award, a prestigious industry award for excellence in religious programming.

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