Before we can rightly assess who we are, we must first ask a more important question – “Who is God?”
-Jessica Head
In today’s society, women are constantly asking the question, “Who am I”? This question in itself is not a bad one; I’m sure all of us have asked this of ourselves before. But before we can rightly assess who we are, we must first ask a more important question—“Who is God?” A right view and understanding of God helps shape the way we think about the world around us and ourselves. We must first open Scripture and see what the Bible says about the character of God.
The attributes of God can be classified into two categories: his incommunicable attributes and his communicable attributes. God’s incommunicable attributes are the characteristics that can only be ascribed to him. They describe how God is not like us — attributes such as God’s self-sufficiency, omnipresence, sovereignty, and immutability. The study of these characteristics are important! Gazing at the power, perfection, and limitlessness of God provides us with a mirror to look at ourselves. It shows us our sinfulness and our need for a Savior. It reminds us that no matter how big and powerful we feel, we will never be God.
God’s communicable attributes are the characteristics that we as believers can reflect to bring honor to Jesus—Characteristics such as being gracious, loving, faithful, and wise. Romans 8:29 says, “For those he foreknew, he also predestined, to be conformed into the image of his Son….”. As Christians, when we are patient with those around us, we are being conformed to the image of Jesus, therefore reflecting the glory of God. Displaying God’s communicable attributes provides us with opportunities to share the Gospel with those in our communities and around the world.
For us to know and grow in our understanding of who God is, we must study what His word says about Him. We must meditate on his character and in turn we will grow wise in our fear of the Lord. And this godly fear will propel us to not only live striving to know who we are, but to spur us into making His worth and name known among the Nations.
Jessica is a wife, mom, teacher, and sometimes writer. Most days you can find her chasing her toddler, Eleanor around the house or teaching music at Cornerstone Classical Christian Academy. God has given Jessica a great love for writing how the Gospel transforms all areas of our lives — especially marriage and motherhood. She prays your heart will be encouraged here with the truth of God’s word. You can find more of Jessica’s writing on her blog here.