Who am I?

Lady Gaga's album, 'Born This Way', suggests that she is continuing to explore questions about her own identity. She has wondered whether she is a teacher or religious leader, or whether her creativity emerges from a part of her that is verging on delusional. Whoever she is, she seems to be adored and emulated by her fans, whom she delightfully calls monsters!
But many people are wondering who they are. Most don't have the luxury to indulge in public crises of identity, as they have to get on with the struggles of life. We are familiar with the many stars in public view face horrendous problems, ranging from Amy Winehouse and Justin Bieber to Wayne Rooney and Andy Murray.
St. Paul, writing to his friends from Ephesus, explores the answer to the 'Who am I?' question.
He starts with the bad news. 'Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins. You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world.' (Ephesians 2.1-2) This looks a hopeless diagnosis, but it is part of the truth that sets us free.
In one of those wonderful 'But God' passages, Paul then tells us, 'But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) (Ephesians 2.5-6)
And his conclusion is mind-blowingly hopeful. 'For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.' (Ephesians 2.10)
Most of us struggle with the idea that we might be considered by God to be a masterpiece - except that is his assessment of us.
That means that TODAY, our Creator has a planned series of good things for us to do. Fulfilling that calling is what makes life such a delightful privilege. And it all comes from knowing the Christ-shaped answer to 'Who am I?'. Have you got it?
Best wishes,
Richard