In this powerful message, Dale & Rena Mae McDonald of Atlin Family Church explore how labels—spoken by others or ourselves—can shape identity, limit growth, and block blessings. Discover what God says about who you truly are in Christ and how His Word erases harmful labels.
Who Do You Think You Are?
A Message by Dale & Rena Mae McDonald
Atlin Family Church
Hello, and welcome. We’re glad you’ve joined us, no matter what time of day you’re watching.
If you don’t know us, I’m Pastor Dale McDonald, and this is Rena Mae McDonald. We’re with Atlin Family Church, and today we want to talk about a subject that may sound light at first—but it can be very serious and even destructive if we’re not aware of it.
The topic is labels, and the question we’re asking is:
“Who Are You?”
The Power of Labels
At first glance, labels may seem harmless. We often think, “It’s no big deal. I just said that.” But words have power.
Labels can:
- Change how we see ourselves
- Shape how others perceive us
- Influence decisions, opportunities, and relationships
- Block blessings God intends for us
Labels work both ways. They can affect how we view ourselves, and they can affect how others view us.
Sometimes people ask, “Who are you?” On the surface, they might just want your name. But often, they’re really trying to position you—to place you in a category or box.
Labels We Accept Without Thinking
For example, if someone comes to your door and asks who you are, you might say, “I’m the plumber,” or “I’m the carpenter.” Instantly, you’re labeled by what you do.
There’s often no harm in that. But it’s still a label.
Problems arise when:
- A label becomes negative or judgmental
- A label does not reflect your true identity
- A label is based on assumptions or past experiences
Many of us have been called names or labeled unfairly—sometimes because of opinions, beliefs, or things others heard about us without ever getting to know us.
Labels Can Hurt
We all remember the playground saying, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.”
That simply isn’t true.
Words hurt.
Labels hurt.
And when we dwell on them, they grow.
Just like meditating on God’s Word brings life and growth, meditating on negative labels brings discouragement, pain, and limitation.
Labels We Put on Ourselves
Some of the most damaging labels are the ones we place on ourselves:
- “I’m a failure.”
- “I’m not good enough.”
- “I’ll never change.”
Once we accept those labels, we begin to see everything through that lens—and it becomes very difficult to live differently.
That’s why we must anchor ourselves in what God says about us, not what people say and not what we think based on our past.
Labels vs. True Identity
A label becomes destructive when it does not match our true identity.
Scripture tells us we can identify people by their fruit, not by assumptions or titles (Matthew 7:20). Actions flow out of identity, and identity must come from truth.
God never intended labels to define us—especially labels rooted in judgment, bias, or misinformation.
How Labels Block Blessings
When I introduce myself as Pastor Dale, some people immediately associate that label with past hurt or bad experiences involving churches or pastors.
Without ever knowing me as Dale, a door can close.
That label can stop:
- Relationship
- Healing
- Growth
- A blessing God intended to flow
The same thing happens when we label others.
Jesus Was Labeled Too
Even Jesus faced this.
In Mark 6:1–6, Jesus returned to His hometown of Nazareth. The people said:
“He’s just a carpenter.”
They labeled Him based on familiarity, not faith. Because of their unbelief, Scripture says Jesus could do very few miracles there.
The label blocked the blessing.
God Does Not Label Us Negatively
Here’s the good news:
God does not label us based on our past.
He does not call us:
- Failures
- Lost causes
- Disappointments
He sees us through Jesus Christ.
Galatians 2:20 tells us our old self has been crucified with Christ, and now Christ lives in us.
Romans 5 reminds us that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us—and through Him, we are now friends of God.
That is our true identity.
The Word Is a Label Eraser
The Word of God acts like a mirror. When we look into it, false labels are erased, and truth is revealed.
Our true identity is found in Christ:
- Righteous
- Forgiven
- Loved
- Confident
- At peace
Those are labels worth carrying.
Final Encouragement
Take a moment and ask yourself:
Who do you think you are? Have you applied labels to yourself?
If the first answer that comes to mind is something negative—something others have said or something you’ve believed about yourself—that’s a sign it’s time to return to the Word and see yourself the way God sees you.
God sees you through love.
God sees your future.
God sees who you were created to be.
Closing Prayer
Father, we thank You for Your Word. We thank You that it brings life, freedom, confidence, and joy. We ask that everyone who hears this message would hear Your voice and receive truth that transforms hearts and minds. Let growth, healing, and relationship come, and may You be glorified in every life of your children.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
