For those who follow Christ, our truest identity lies not in fleeting external realities but in our relationship with Him. The cross of Christ ushered in a new reality for us, granting us a new identity rooted in Him.
“Who am I?” It’s a query that resonates deeply within each of us. Often, we mistakenly anchor our identity in external markers – possessions, social standing, or even past hurts. We might introduce ourselves by our struggles or perceived limitations, defining ourselves by what we lack or what has wounded us.
However, for those who follow Christ, our truest identity lies not in these fleeting external realities but in our relationship with Him. The cross of Christ ushered in a new reality for us, granting us a new identity rooted in Him. While we may not yet fully grasp the fullness of this inheritance, our position in Christ is a gift laden with both privilege and responsibility.
As John 10:10 reminds us, Jesus came to bring us abundant life, a stark contrast to the thief who seeks only to steal, kill, and destroy. Our possessions and worldly achievements do not define us; our identity emanates from within, established by the transformative act of Jesus’ sacrifice.
Think of the old identification booklets – they contained the essential details of who a person was. Similarly, the Bible serves as the testament to our identity as followers of Jesus. Within its pages, our past is redeemed, our present is empowered, and our future is secured in Him.
Yet, there is a constant battle for our minds. The adversary, skilled in deception, whispers lies of inadequacy and constantly parades our past failures before us. In these moments, we must stand firm and remind him of his ultimate defeat. Proverbs 23:7 wisely states, “For as a man thinketh in his heart, so is he.” This aligns with Philippians 2:5-6, which encourages us to “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God.”
Consider the poignant story of the elephant calf. Bound by a rope, it learns a false limitation. Even when it possesses the physical strength to break free as a grown elephant, the ingrained belief of its inability holds it captive. Similarly, the enemy seeks to shackle us with limiting beliefs. But 2 Timothy 1:7 declares, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
Ultimately, it is not the opinions of others that define us, but God’s perspective through the lens of Jesus. Some of us may identify with the man in Luke 5:17-24, paralyzed and unable to move forward until encountering Jesus. Jesus’ powerful words, “…Rise up and walk,” speak to the potential within us to break free from the paralysis of our past and step into the new life offered through the cross, as Romans 6:4 beautifully illustrates.
Our Position in Christ:
- I am a new creation, made in God’s image and dependent on Him. (Genesis 1:27; 2 Corinthians 5:17)
- I am in Christ. (Ephesians 2:10)
- I am justified. (Romans 8:33; Colossians 2:12)
- I am adopted into God’s family. (Ephesians 1:5)
- I am part of God’s royal priesthood. (1 Peter 2:9)
- I am not yet perfected, but I am being transformed. (Philippians 3:12)
- I am the head and not the tail, destined for progress, not regression. (Deuteronomy 28:13)
Therefore, when we stumble, we rise, adjust our perspective, and continue our journey forward.
Our Responsibility:
Even as we live on earth, we are seated in heavenly places in Christ Jesus, granting us access to spiritual blessings and privileges (Ephesians 2:6). This elevated position carries responsibility:
- To be witnesses of God’s love and grace. (Acts 1:8)
- To serve others. (Mark 10:45)
- To build up fellow believers. (Romans 14:19; 1 Thessalonians 5:11)
- To be generous. (1 John 3:17; Galatians 6:2)
- To pursue holiness. (1 Peter 1:16; 2 Peter 3:11)
- To care for the vulnerable. (James 1:27)
As 2 Corinthians 9:8 assures us, “And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things, at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”
While understanding who we are is important, knowing whose we are is paramount. Let us hold onto these three key concepts:
- Awareness: Be mindful that the world often offers counterfeit peace, a peace that only God can truly provide.
- Contentment: Cultivate contentment in your present circumstances while simultaneously striving for growth in Christ.
- Intention: Purposefully engage in the process of discovering and living out your identity in Jesus Christ.
Reflect:
- In what areas of your life do you find yourself seeking validation from external sources rather than your identity in Christ?
- What past experiences or limiting beliefs continue to paralyze you from fully embracing the new life you have in Christ?
- Which aspect of your identity in Christ (as listed above) resonates most deeply with you right now, and how can you live more fully in that truth?
- How can you more intentionally step into the responsibilities that come with your identity in Christ, such as serving or being generous?
- Where do you need to acknowledge that you haven’t fully taken hold of the power you have in Christ Jesus? What specific aspect of your identity do you need to work on intentionally?
Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of our identity in Christ Jesus. Forgive us for the times we have sought our worth in fleeting things and allowed the voices of the world and our past to define us. Help us to truly grasp the depth of Your love and the new creation we are in You. Empower us to walk in the fullness of our position, embracing both the privileges and the responsibilities that come with it. Strengthen us to resist the lies of the enemy and to fix our minds on the truth of who we are in You. May we grow in awareness, contentment, and intention, living lives that reflect Your glory. Amen.
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