Posts Tagged ‘ Identity ’
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28, ESV
The most important identity we can have is that we belong to Christ, that we love God.
And God agrees. All of history was designed to glorify Christ and draw us to Him.
Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children.
Ephesians 5:1, ESV
Is your identity found in Christ? Do people look at you, like the earliest believers, and think of you as a little Christ (Christian)?
Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.
James 1:12, ESV
When we realize that in Christ our identity is a loved child of the Most High King, we can endure and overcome anything in this life for His sake and by His power.
Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.
1 John 4:11, ESV
It is easier to love others when we know we are loved. Our identity must be found in the One who loves us enough to have come and died for our sins and rose again.
for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
Philippians 2:13, ESV
God works in us, most effectively and clearly when we find our identity first and foremost in Christ. If our identity is found in anything else, we go astray to be an example of His wrath, but as one who belongs to Christ, He does amazing things that bless others as examples of His love and grace.
Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears us up; God is our salvation. Selah
Psalm 68:19, ESV
Our identity should be found in the One who saves us and holds our lives in His hands.
Are you Christ’s, or do you still identify by your interests, your love, or what you do?
For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.
Romans 8:6, ESV
If we find our identity in anything other than God, we live in rebellion to Him, idolizing ourselves or whatever we base our identity on.
When we are sealed in the Holy Spirit, our identity is found in Christ, and our lives should revolve around Him.
“Hello, again!
In the last few weeks, I have been hearing and reading a lot about identity.
In terms of identity, the major theme has been how we identify ourselves. This includes:
It is this last one that has the most applicability to today’s topic, especially for the Christian.
What happens when the ideology, job, or relationship status changes?
You see, if your identity is dependent on something external, it can lead to major confusion and even crisis-mode inside. You could be screaming, “I don’t know who I am anymore!”
This is where someone may say, “This is why we need strong self-esteem.”
I completely disagree.
Yes, I said completely disagree.
Why?
Because self-esteem focuses on the self. This is the antithesis of Christianity and relationship with God, as it says you can find peace within yourself.
Instead, you need something stronger.
Where is your identity? How about starting with the Bible.
“Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me”
Matthew 18:5“For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”
Matthew 18:20Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.
John 14:13-14“And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues;”
Mark 16:17
Now, what does Jesus mean by “in my Name”? Does he mean “Lord, please do this for me, in Jesus Name. Amen”?
No.
I think this hearkens back to the 10 Commandments, specifically number 3:
“You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain …”
Exodus 20:7
Is using the Lord’s Name in vain using it as a curse word?
Partially, yes. Mostly, no. It is more like saying you are a Christian (My identity!), doing something wrong, and claiming God either approves or even commanded it. THAT is using the Lord’s Name in vain more than anything else.
But what does Jesus mean?
Literally taking on the identity of Jesus Christ.
Not just living by “What Would Jesus Do?”
It means to think, talk, and act like Christ.
It means you put yourself out of the way, and you let Jesus Christ live through you.
Then it does not matter your skill-set, job title, political affiliation, who you know … well … a little bit who you know … 😉
Whatever happens around you and in your life does not matter that much when you know you have the Lord of the Universe living in and through you!
So, how do you identify? What is your first thought when asked who you are?
Or is your first thought “I am a Christian. I am a child of the living God. I am a son (or daughter) of the Most High! My heavenly Father adopted me through my Brother, my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!”
This is why it is important to study and memorize Scripture (I admit to being weak in memorization!), because it helps us better understand the meaning of life.
What is the meaning of life?
To glorify God.
This is why theology is important. (Scary, I know, but that is the big reason I make these blogs/vlogs, to give you a hand in it.)
Theology is simply the study of God: who He is, what He wants from and for us, and how we can live for Him.
Then we can know that no matter what is going on around us and in our lives, we are good to go. Because we are in Christ.
It is who we are.
He is our identity.
And it is not by our own power. It is through our weakness that He is stronger! (2 Corinthians 11-13, especially in 12:9!)
Be excellent, my friends!
a simple man of God 