(Part 2 of a Series)

This series delves into two essential topics: God and people. When children know who God really is and what He says about who they really are, they can confidently navigate faith and life. Kids must know both the Lord and themselves intimately—not superficially.

God matters most. Learning about the Lord is more important (and more rewarding) than anything else we can do!

People matter to God. People who truly grasp what God says about their identity finally understand who they are and how to live.

The question, “Who are you?” follows naturally from the previous topic, “Who is God?” Read that article of this series here.

“Who Are You?”

Short Answer
“You are God’s priceless protégé.” (A “protégé” is someone being trained by another wise, influential individual.) Even though all humans sin, people remain priceless to the Lord.

Biblical Answer (Genesis 1:27—3:24)
The Lord skillfully formed Adam and Eve in His very own image. God created people to be like Himself so they could relate directly with Him—their supreme Role-model. God placed Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, a place of pure paradise, where they could learn to be His protégés. God evidently met with them at regular times each day.

It probably didn’t take Satan long to come up with a strategy to ruin things. He tempted Adam and Eve to do what they knew was wrong. As soon as they disobeyed what God had said, the party was over! Adam and Eve “fell” from their state of innocence to a state of sin. They quickly learned that sin—though sometimes very appealing—simply isn’t worth it. They did, however, learn something new about God; He is merciful and forgiving.

Expanded Answer
The Lord treasures you for three big reasons:

YOU HAVE A DIVINE DESIGN. People possess greatness and goodness; you delight in the Lord.

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them. (Ephesians 2:10)

God designed people with absolutely zero flaws. Humans bear God’s personal imprint; you are created to be like Him. The Lord gave people a special purpose; humans exist for God’s praise and pleasure in relationship with Him. God also designed humans to reflect His dignity, creativity, and authority; you are His masterpiece. The Lord expects people to put those talents to work as His ambassadors; you are appointed for good deeds.

YOU HAVE A HUMAN NATURE. People enjoy happiness and harmony; you perform superbly.

For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother’s womb. ¹⁴I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, And my soul knows it very well. ¹⁵My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret, And skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth; (Psalm 139:13-15)

People are God’s very best work. Before their sinful “fall,” Adam and Eve’s bodies, brains, emotions, and actions operated perfectly. Consider how flawless those first two humans were: Their splendid bodies had phenomenal physical abilities. Their minds reasoned and remembered perfectly; they had staggering mental capacity. Because Adam and Eve lacked an awareness of evil, they instinctively trusted each other (and the Serpent). God gave them wills that were free to choose whatever good they desired.

YOU HAVE A TRAGIC HISTORY. People rebel against the Lord; you forfeit His blessings.

Therefore, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men, because all sinned (Romans 5:12)

God gave Adam and Eve only one restriction—do not eat from the tree of knowledge of good and evil. Unfortunately, their fatal, flawed decision has affected all people forever. God views humankind “in Adam,” so you were “present” in the garden. When Adam disobeyed God and broke the agreement, you were involved and affected. Adam transferred seeds of sin to all his descendants; you were infected. Ever since then, humans commit willful and unknown sins and are personally responsible for everything they have done.

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So, who are you?—“You are God’s priceless protégé.” Although people made for God soon fell from innocence, humans remain His treasured possessions. You are of inestimable value.

Remember, you are the grand total of all your choices. You are accountable for each one. Every day is a fresh start with many opportunities to make wise, selfless decisions. Ask the Lord to help you listen to Him every minute of every day. He will fill you with His Spirit and show you how to walk with Him!

Application Ideas

Sin, though sometimes very appealing, simply isn’t worth it. Just say, “No!”
God is always ready to forgive and restore His children to fellowship with Him. Just confess!
Start every day with the Lord; get “clean” and just walk with Him!

Read the next article in this series: What is God Like?