Identity

I really think that when Christians hear the word identity we kinda roll our eyes a little. I mean all too often we hear from pulpits and blogs: "your identity is in Christ." I imagine there are some who did not click on this post because they think they've heard all they need to hear on the subject. As though they know all there is to know on the subject and never struggle with finding their identity in anyone or anything other than Jesus.

Did you know that the Bible uses the phrase "in Christ" 216 times? At least that's what I found out when I watched Mark Driscoll talk about this. Many of those uses are found in the book of Ephesians. God thought our identity was pretty important and talked about it a lot in the Bible. So maybe you don't think you need to hear more of this, but bear with me for a few moments as I tell you what God has been teaching me about my identity.

I think we tend to think it's only bad if we find our identity in things like bad friends, bad habits or secular music. But what about those of us who find our identity in being a really good follower of Jesus? No, seriously, read that last sentence again...what about us?

Have you ever read your Bible because you think you're supposed to? Are you a volunteer of a ministry at your church, pastor or staff member that constantly goes through the motions of ministry? Do you find yourself saying you love Jesus but you know you're just spitting meaningless words out of your mouth? We're getting real here aren't we?

Search your soul Let God search your heart and soul to see if you're finding your identity in being a Christian, or if you're finding it in being "in Christ." Because the former brings guilt and the latter brings freedom.

If I'm finding my identity in being a Christian, then every time I think I'm not being a 'good' Christian, I will be heavy laden with guilt and shame because I'm not living up to my identity. If I find my identity in Christ, I will always experience grace and mercy because He never fails. He has given me His righteousness. When God looks at me, He doesn't see a Christian trying to be holy; He sees Jesus who IS Holy!

This doesn't mean I can do whatever I want because Jesus is my get out of sin free card. It means that since my life is "hidden with Christ" (Colossians 3:3), I will continue to become like the One who traded His identity for mine. Let that sink in for a moment.

See I used to find my identity in being a youth pastor, or a husband or a disciple maker. Those are good things and I will become all of those if I embrace my true identity "in Christ." The more I rest in Him and allow Him to live His righteousness through me, the more I will be free and the more I will find my true identity.

It's exhausting trying to keep any other identity than the one given to us by the Father because anything else is not who we are meant to be. Besides, we will fail at being anything or anyone else. We will never find meaning and purpose in anything (even being a good Christian) other than Jesus who is meaning and purpose. Let's start finding our identity "in Christ." After all, it's the only place we find our true identity anyway.