Identity
Identity. The aforementioned word has become so loaded over millennia. Everyone, no matter what their background is, comes from some type of culture or affinity that is supposed to define their identity. Language, music, food, interests, race, gender, etc.
When I first got to college, I found myself buying into this same earthly sensual wisdom (James 3:15-18). Every chance I got, I was learning about my race and every -ism under the sun. I felt like I had been deprived of that opportunity by the public school system in my early education, and would do all I could to be an “informed” adult.
Here’s the kicker: I was so focused on my identity in earthly terms that I completely put aside my identity in Christ. I was not filling my spirit with God’s Word, but I was filling myself with the words and ideas of philosophers and politicians and hoping they could provide solutions to the plights of this world. Furthermore, I would get into foolish quarrels trying to argue my ideas and try to make someone accept my point of view as the proverbial gospel truth.
But what does the Bible say? The Bible discusses our identity in Christ. Let’s look at John:
John 1:12-13 Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.
We know that through Christ, we have eternal redemption- something that we were not eligible for prior to Jesus’ coming. Why? Because sin separated us from Christ:
Isaiah 59:1-2 Surely the arm of the Lord is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear. But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you so that he will not hear
There are so many scriptures that talk about us being separated from God, but just as many that talk about us being received by God through Jesus Christ and adopted into His family, if you will. See the following scriptures: Ephesians 1, Romans 6, 1 Corinthians 12:26, 1 Peter 2:9, Galatians 3:27-28, and the list goes on.
Isn’t that beautiful?! We literally should have been eternally separated but God loves us so much that He gave His ONLY Begotten Son so that we may have eternal life if we believe in Him (John 3:16). The reason that is so deep is because Jesus’ love and identity were not predicated on Him being accepted. He still came to this earth and fulfilled a purpose even for people who were NEVER going to accept Him, believe in Him, or worship Him; for people who would mock Him, hate Him, and persecute those who follow His precepts.
And I want you to see how that contrasts from the human concept of identity. More and more, the world has taught us that we can be whoever we want to be and everybody must accept us because it’s our identity. If someone doesn't accept you, they have a problem.
This way of thought is in total contradiction with the Word of God for three main reasons:
If your identity is truly in Christ, the Bible is clear that you will NOT be accepted by the world and may even be persecuted. (See John 15:18-20)
Accepting a life of sin and debauchery and trying to make people accept it is also against the Word. (See Isaiah 5, Romans 1, and
Rejection, bitterness, anger, and offenses become our way of life (See Proverbs 18:19, Proverbs 19:11, 1 Peter 5:8, 2 Timothy 2:24, and James 1:19).
If we go based on the world’s idea of identity, we will miss Christ and His call every time. Why? Because we will have bought into the false but pervasive “total acceptance” doctrine. In other words, when we are not totally accepted by man, we will flee from the uncomfortable which will cause us to leave godly assignments, deliverance, or healing if it remotely causes any type of perceived rejection and a change of lifestyle. And to make it worse, we are like sitting ducks for the enemy to use. The enemy, our adversary, knows what areas in our lives trigger us and will cause us to stumble. Not knowing your true identity in Christ, being quick to anger and offense, and being accepting of sin is the perfect recipe to let Satan use you because you lack self-control.
But if we are called to live like Christ, we understand Christ went through the ultimate rejection and humiliation, and yet He still fulfilled His calling; still was confident and secure in His salvation:
1 John 2:6 NKJV He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.
1 Peter 2:21-23 NKJV For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: “Who committed no sin, Nor was deceit found in His mouth”; who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously;
1 Corinthians 11:1 NKJV Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.
Do you find yourself doing the following:
Thinking of yourself more so in terms of earthly things (race, class, gender, culture, education, etc.)
Feeling upset when someone does not agree with you
Excusing sin because it’s a part of an identity
Rejecting people who encourage you to turn away from or acknowledge said sin
Getting into frequent quarrels and debates over earthly things
Looking to the natural world and humans for the solution to spiritual problems
If so, I encourage you to pray this prayer if you find yourself getting wrapped up in the culture versus the Kingdom (of God):
Lord, I humbly ask for your forgiveness. Help me to find my identity in You and give me the grace I need to stay focused on Kingdom things. Help me to crucify my flesh, and to be more kingdom-minded and ready to walk in my calling. Lord, help me to feel Your love and understand Your ways so that I do not crave the love and the wisdom this earth promises. I love you Lord and am ready to give my life totally to you. Amen.
Walk in your true identity, in Christ Jesus.
Be blessed