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"If You Don't Brand Yourself Someone Else Will"

Today, I would like to repeat a comment I made to a group of team members about two (2) weeks ago. I was asked to describe what I considered the best advice ever given to me. After thinking about that question for a few seconds I responded with these words, "If you don't brand (identify) yourself, someone else will." Don't be afraid to speak up for yourself, especially when you know attempts are being made to falsely label you. 

Mark 6:5-6 state that Jesus was unable to perform miracles in his hometown and among his own people. When you read the above scripture you may wonder why that was the case:

  • Was it because of Jesus' lack of faith?  
  • Did Jesus sin?
  • Was Jesus operating outside the will of God the Father?

The answer to the above listed questions is "No". No, Jesus' inability to heal had nothing to do with his faith, sin on his part, or operating outside of his Father's will. The problem wasn't with Jesus, the problem was with the people. The same people that knew him as a child and watched him grow, mature, and become a man. Those same people branded (identified) Jesus as just another kid in the neighborhood who returned to his childhood home. Instead of recognizing Him as the Son of God, they identified him as being no different from any other child from the neighborhood. Despite their attempt to brand (identify) Jesus as just another kid, He (Jesus) knew and clearly stood upon His brand (identity).

Jesus knew:

  • Who He was.
  • Where He stood.
  • To whom He belonged. 

Like Jesus, you too must know your brand (identity) and stand upon who you are in Christ Jesus. As stated in my book, Conflicts Within, A Journey Through Real and Lasting Change, "If you don't define yourself, someone else will. One of the best and most important ways to to resolve or manage conflicts within is by first knowing who you are, where you stand, and to whom you belong. I call this self-identification." 

Remember, if you don't brand (identify) yourself, someone else will. 

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