You Are More Than Your Label

Just before her 3^rd birthday, my daughter, Ashlyn, had her very first dance recital. That meant a trip to buy her first pair of dance shoes. She was so excited to pick out her first dance shoes. It was a great moment.

In the car on the way home, my wife and I started talking about how Ashlyn loves music and has great rhythm.

I said, “Ashlyn is a little musician.”

Immediately, from the back of the car I heard, “I am not a musician!”

Taken off guard, I responded, “Oh… is that because you are a dancer?”

“No” Ashlyn giggled, “I’m not a dancer!”

Confused, I asked, “Then what are you?”

“I’m Ashlyn!” she said proudly.

At that moment I realized that she is more right than she knows. What a profound statement!

She wasn’t going to be defined by some label. She is not just a dancer or a musician. She is something better. She is Ashlyn. She is an awesome combination of all those things and more. That’s what makes her special.

We label ourselves all the time, don’t we? We seek our identity in what we do – whether it’s a career, family, or hobby.  We get obsessive about it.

I label myself all the time as just a pastor. It’s true that I am a pastor. But I’m also a husband, father, writer, musician, friend, leader, servant, Christian… I am a mix of all these things and more. That’s what makes me, me.

Many young pastors today are determined to be the next Rick Warren, Craig Groeschel, or Andy Stanley. In their efforts to become like their pastor heroes, they lose sight of who they are.

Your goal should be more than just becoming the next _______  or the best _________. You are more than just some _______. (Fill in the blanks)

God made you to be you, not a clone of someone else. He made you on purpose for a purpose. If God wanted you to be someone else, He would have made you them. But He didn’t. He made you, you. Be the best you, you can be.

You are more than a label. Make the most of the unique abilities and calling God has placed on your life.

No two people are the same. Work every day to become everything God created you to be.

What label do you have?