No, it’s not about one of those ingredient labels you’re thinking of when you are shopping for human or pet food.

Most of the time people believe that they are a byproduct of something in one way or another. Whether it be that one defining moment of success or clarity, the years of training for a particular career, family relationships, or even dark moments like depression or trauma. The list goes on and you get the idea.

When we see ourselves as a byproduct of our environment, our personal experiences, our relationships, struggles, and triumphs, our identity becomes dependent on what is temporary.

We have greater hope than all the things we see, hear, experience, and suffer through.

The Lord tells us that we are not a byproduct. We are created for God’s glory.

“But now, this is what the Lord says—
    he who created you, Jacob,
    he who formed you, Israel:
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
    I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
When you pass through the waters,
    I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
    they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
    you will not be burned;
    the flames will not set you ablaze.
For I am the Lord your God,
    the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;
I give Egypt for your ransom,
    Cush and Seba in your stead.
Since you are precious and honored in my sight,
    and because I love you,
I will give people in exchange for you,
    nations in exchange for your life.
Do not be afraid, for I am with you;
    I will bring your children from the east
    and gather you from the west.
I will say to the north, ‘Give them up!’
    and to the south, ‘Do not hold them back.’
Bring my sons from afar
    and my daughters from the ends of the earth—
everyone who is called by my name,    whom I created for my glory,
    whom I formed and made.””

– Isaiah 43:1-7 (NIV), emphasis mine.

I think it’s time. Let’s give all the byproducts of who we are to Him. My prayer is that you will make this hope and prayer yours: “Lord, all that I am, all that I have, all that I will be, use it all to bring You glory. I am Yours.”

He will use all things – good, ugly, and the bad – in you, in your life, from your past, in your present, and throughout your future for His glory. And you will find for yourself that He is good (Psalm 34:1-8).

Glory to the Lord on high.