Has anyone ever walked up to you and told you something, thinking you were someone else? This was probably because you looked like that other person from the outside, from a certain angle, or maybe from the way you walked, or even by your voice.

Have you ever had someone say something worldly, thinking you would be okay with it, or maybe they’re just testing you – to see how you’ll react knowing that you’re different? It’s foolish.

I’ve been picked on for me innocence and my beliefs a lot in my life. I’ve been picked on for being quiet, too, quite a bit. It’s just lame, to be honest, because I think I’m pretty alright and average if people would stop being bullies. That’s just me. I don’t need any more friends, and definitely not a friend who would bully or tear down another human being just because they’re different. Pray for these people.

The world mistakes my innocence as like being a child, not grown up, or not living. The fact of the matter is, I’m a child of God. I’m mature in faith. I don’t boast of what the world says is cool and what the world chooses to accomplish. I boast in the Lord, for my Jesus Christ, my God is amazing and something to share with everyone. No matter what circumstance I find myself in, I can stand firm in what I know to be true and what I know to be the way God has lead me. His Word has shaped my heart and I pray He continues to do so throughout my life. I will not be brought down by those who would rather push their worldly views and practices on me (or anyone) than turn to the God of mercy and peace.

All humans look the same on the inside. Sometimes, on the outside we probably look alike, too. Maybe you have an identical twin! That’s pretty cool. God made each of us different though. No matter how much we look alike, we’re so complexly made by a perfect God that no two people are exactly alike. We have different interests, different perspectives, grew up in different homes and lifestyles, different hobbies and have different diets (mine consists of pizza and chicken frequently!).

I’ll probably be mistaken more than once in my life as someone who conforms to the world, but I know that I’m a child of God. I’ve been given undeserved mercy and I’ve been saved through Jesus Christ.

Today’s probably the best opportunity you’ve ever had to show someone the love God has shown each of us. Let’s not mistake our own identity. We are children of God.