Have you noticed how many titles there are for God in the Bible—titles like Ancient of Days, Hiding Place, and Father of Glory?
In fact, there are hundreds of names and titles for him, and each is worthy of study, as it reveals facets of his character.
Scripture also refers to us, his people, by different titles. There’s value in carefully considering these also—titles like:
Sheep
This is one we’d rather not claim, but it’s true. On our own we act very much like sheep, tending to follow the crowd, react out of fear, dig in our heels with stubbornness, and make foolish choices.
And yet our Good Shepherd has purchased us at great price and made us his own. He actually takes delight in caring for us [1].
Perhaps you agree with me: I’ll gladly wear the humble title of sheep if it means I can live in his divine pasture!
Saints
When many of us visualize saints, we see practically-perfect, self-sacrificing people. Their halos may be invisible, but we’re sure they’re there.
In reality, the word saint simply means holy one, and holy means set apart.
That describes you if you’ve become a Jesus-follower. God clothes every believer in his Son’s righteousness, and places within his perfect nature [2].
To honor God for all he’s done, saints aspire to unwavering focus on him and on his people.
Masterpieces
“Since you are God’s idea, you are a good idea.”
Max Lucado, Cure for the Common Life, 26.
You may remember the Greek word used for masterpiece or workmanship in Ephesians 2:10: “poema.” And just as quality poems require much effort; God expended great effort to instill quality in each of his children. We are masterpieces, each one uniquely designed to be a heavenly piece of poetry on earth.
May others be blessed as they read the verses of our lives [3]!
Temples
God could have chosen anywhere in the universe as his dwelling place, among the galaxies of stars, towering mountain peaks, or peaceful tropical islands. Instead, the all-powerful, absolutely perfect King of the universe chose to live in you and in me.
Meditate on the wonder of that for a moment.
Light
Then consider the mesmerizing beauty of light in the golden glow of sunrise or radiant sunbeams soaring heavenward into infinity.
Our Savior, the Light of the world, shines with enthralling beauty, giving us “the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.”
In addition, he’s privileged us with the honor of reflecting his glorious light to others—the light of his compassionate love, effervescent joy, constant peace, and more [4].
Who will you shine on today?
New Creations
To create doesn’t mean to just improve something that already exists. It means to bring something out of nothing. God didn’t simply change us when we accepted Jesus into our lives; he created new persons! We are not the same people we were before saying “yes” to him [5].
“Marvel at the beauty of a life intertwined with God’s Presence.”
Sarah Young, Jesus Calling, 381.
* * *
Some of us don’t feel like new creatures, saintly masterpieces, or glowing light-bearers. Since we’re still capable of sin and fall short of God’s best, we’ve concluded he must barely put up with us out of his unfailing mercy.
NOT SO!
Think of the last time you saw a colorful butterfly, like the Tiger Swallowtail. Did you say, “Wow! Look at that transformed caterpillar!”
Of course not. Its former state probably didn’t even cross your mind. You saw the swallowtail for what it was in that moment, an exquisite creature of beauty and grace.
That’s how God sees you and me, dear readers, as expressed in these titles we’ve considered. The old is past; we’re new persons, living a new life, resplendent in Christ’s robe of righteousness [6].
May the true identity of who we are emphatically impact how we live.
[1] 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; Psalm 147:11
[2] Isaiah 61:10; Galatians 2:20
[3] Herbert Lockyer, Seasons of the Lord, 330.
[4] 2 Corinthians 4:6; Matthew 5:14-16
[5] Steve McVey, Grace Walk, 43.
[6] McVey, Grace Walk, 48.
Photo credits: http://www.flickr.com; http://www.pixabay.com; http://www.wikipedia.org (Anne Aubert); http://www.pixabay.com; http://www.picryl.com; http://www.peakpx.com; http://www.dailyverses.net; http://www.publicdomainpictures.com.
From the Inside Out 
Thanks for posting these thoughts, Nancy. While we should always be aware of our depravity and the extent of God’s mercy, we should rejoice every day that we are His new creations, and beautiful to Him. ❤
Amen, Annie!
Thanks for sharing my friend. I desire to be more sheep like in my relationship with the Lord
Indeed, Brenda, me too–more trusting, less troubled! Have a blessed Easter–He is risen!
Amen 🙌🏽🙌🏽
I accepted Christ into my heart at the age of five and knew exactly what that meant. That early surrender to the voice of the Holy Spirit enabled me to have a real head start of reflecting the Light of God’s Glory to the rest of the world for many, many years. I certainly didn’t ‘feel’ like (and wasn’t) a glowing lightbearer during those times where I failed Him with wrong decisions and behavior, but the BLESSING is that when I confess my sins to the Lord…He forgives and the slate is wiped clean for me to begin anew the privilege and honor of letting His light shine through me to those who have yet to be saved.
And shine you do, Cheri! I too was a preschooler when I heard the crucifixion story. All these years later I still remember thinking, if Jesus was willing to do that for me, to take the punishment I deserved for the naughty things I did, how could I say “no?” Praise God for our families who nurtured our spirits from birth so we were ready at an early age to say “yes!” Have a blessed Easter, dear Cheri!
I love those titles especially the description under ‘Temples’ ❤️
and the way you described how a butterfly is looked at (or acknowledged) for its present state of beauty, not giving thought to its former appearance. Great analogy.
The presence of God within us, working his transformative power from the inside out, is truly miraculous! As for the butterfly analogy, you’ll see in the notes, that idea came from Steve McVey, in his book Grace Walk (though I revised it to fit my purpose here). I do like to give credit where credit is due! Have a blessed Easter, Alicia!
❤️🙂
Wow! This was such an awesome post to read just before Easter. Your presentation of our titles is wonderful to read…thank you for sharing this post with us. This was so very inspiring!
Praise God you found inspiration here, Linda. May you enjoy a very blessed Easter!
Beautiful post and written so lovely. When I think of sheep…they are not burden-bearing animals. They are not capable of carrying a burden on their
backs. What a wonderful reminder, Jesus bore it all on cross, so we don’t have to. He invites us to cast our care upon Him! Wishing you a blessed Easter ✝️💜✝️
I didn’t know that about sheep, but since I’ve never seen a photo with a pack on a sheep’s back, I should have guessed! Thank you for adding that insight, Pam. We have no business carrying burdens ourselves–we’re not capable either. With you I praise our loving Savior who provides abundant life now (that includes rest and peace IN him) and eternity WITH him yet to come! Praise God, He is risen! A blessed Easter to you also.
love all these titles. I cling to “Beloved Child of God.” all the words, the images of a child being full loved/embraced by the Almighty God. Amazing, isn’t it? Easter Blessings, dear friend.
Oh, yes! That’s another one that warms the heart. It certainly IS amazing. “Amazing love! How can it be that Thou, my God, shouldst die for me!” (the refrain of “And Can It Be.”) A blessed Easter to you, my friend!
Nancy, such a beautiful post! As someone who has, at times, struggled with believing her worth to the Father, it can feel difficult to embrace those “titles” like Masterpiece. 🙂 It’s an amazing thought to realize God sees us as the things you shared in your post. Thanks for this poignant reminder!
How amazing and comforting to read all the ways that God describes His children! I especially love the swallowtail butterfly and how we don’t think of what he was in the past. God doesn’t dwell on our past, either, but He makes us a thing of beauty now. Blessings, Nancy, and may you have a very precious Easter.
Isn’t that a wonderful illustration from Steve McVey? It certainly spoke encouragement to me, and was sure it would do the same for others. I pray you also have an inspiring Easter, Patty!
Beautiful, Nancy! How marvelous that Christ sees as transformed, and finished products. Not as ugly caterpillars – but as beautiful, perfectly formed butterflies! And you’re so right, we’d rather avoid the sheep name. But I’m with you, I’ll gladly wear the humble title of sheep if it means I can live in his divine pasture! Thanks for the great insights here!
Praise God you found this post meaningful, Sheila. Thank you for your encouragement!
Hi Nancy,
I know God’s children do not have to be perfect. They just need to be in will. Then it all works perfectly will I mean well.
Happy Easter, Gary
Praise God we don’t have to be perfect. I’m still thankful he’s working on me though. I like myself better when I’m living as he desires, and I know obedience brings him pleasure too.
Love the butterfly analogy. Yes, we are transformed, no longer our old self, but being made new.
Isn’t that an inspiring analogy? We have Steve McVey to thank, author of Grace Walk!
I like the reinterpretation of “saint”. As much as we can look to dozens of examples of those whose lives truly stand apart, it’s almost startling to think we can view ourselves in a similar way. I enjoyed this list, Nancy – thank you! He is risen!
Thank you, Saint Dave! 😁 Our Savior is risen indeed–Hallelujah!
I have recently become enthralled with God’s name, Yahweh, and the passage in Genesis 22:14 that is interpreted as “Yahweh will see to it.” Oh, that has blessed me! I am applying it to so many areas of my life & when the enemy is coming in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord often lifts up a standard against him by reminding me to speak this verse aloud. To think that the same God Abraham spoke of in this passage is also my God! And also to think that the place dear Jesus was crucified on might quite possibly be the same exact mountain where Abraham spoke those words concerning the sacrifice of his son, Isaac, is just so wonderful. The Word of God is so amazing and all the pieces fit together so perfectly. I am so thankful for all the Easter season means and will never be able to thank Him enough for all He suffered for me.
Speaking the scriptures out loud is a very helpful strategy, allowing passages to become part of us and shape our thinking. (An idea I learned from Sara Hagerty in her book, Unseen.) With you, Cheryl, I marvel how all scripture fits together into a cohesive whole, and totally agree with you that we’ll never be able to thank Christ enough for all he’s done for us!
Love the thought of how when we look at a butterfly we don’t think of the ugly caterpillar. So encouraging to realize God doesn’t look at us as something ugly He made beautiful – but sees us in His righteousness, His beauty.
That’s right, Barb! You brought to mind an old Gloria Gaither chorus, “Something Beautiful.” Do you happen to know it? The last two lines are: “All I had to offer Him was brokenness and strife, But He made something beautiful of my life.” Hallelujah!
You present a compelling argument that God is an optimist, Nancy, so why should we be otherwise?
An excellent point, Mitch. Even someone with pessimistic tendencies can train him/herself to think on good things (Philippians 4:8)!
Amen! Our journey into the pages of God’s Word will always continue to connect us with His wisdom. We are truly blessed to share many attributes with other believers as we live as the Body of Christ. Blessings Nancy.
Good point, BSB. Those shared attributes can create strong bonds of camaraderie, affinity, and love among us–a HUGE blessing indeed!
Thank you for this conversation. God’s grace and peace steadies our daily journey.