[Name] the [Attribute]

I’ve been known by quite a few titles: Tiny Tina, Redhead Tina Sutton, Speedy Sutton, Mrs. Toman, Isaac’s/ Libby’s/ Sam’s/ Luke’s/ Joel’s mom, and very soon, I get a new title: Vivian’s mother-in-law. These are titles that I think of fondly. But not all titles are enjoyable.

A couple of weeks ago, I flew to Minnesota with Libby and Vivian for her bridal shower. We were also able to attend her former church where we heard a sermon from their series in Hebrews 11. It was just one verse, Hebrews 11:31… By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who were disobedient, because she had given a friendly welcome to the spies. The point that struck me was that Rahab’s professional title followed her name in most mentions of her in the Bible… except in Matthew 1:5 where she is listed in the genealogy of Jesus. Now in Christ’s lineage, she is not remembered for her sinful past, but for her identity in the family of our Savior.

How often do we live as though we are our past selves? When we surrender our lives to the Lord as He awakens us to His gracious mercy, we are changed into a new creation. The old has passed, the new has come (2 Cor. 5:17). Yes, there is a process of growth that takes time, but our identity, our title in Christ has changed. And yet one of the biggest lies that the enemy wants us to believe is that we are still our old selves. When this happens to me, I must take a hold of that thought and combat it with the truth, like Ephesians 4:22-24… to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. It’s not always easy to do this, but with practice, it gets easier. So my title, Tina the redeemed, Tina the Christ-follower, Tina the surrendered servant of the most High God, comes before all other titles, and I am so grateful!