Identity

I’m aware I repeat myself in this blog but various statics show that we only retain around 10% of what we read therefore, I feel it is worth repeating.

Many people make the mistake of thinking identity is in what we do. Though it may create interesting conversation when we meet someone, our identity is not in what we do for a living but who we are. Our Identity is our individuality, uniqueness, character, personality, etc.

The key question is: Who does Christ say I am? To get a grasp on this read the book of Romans but there are many verses in the Bible that enlighten us regarding who we are in Christ, once we accept Him as Savior.

Let us look at what the Word has to say on the subject.
All Bible verses are taken from the Living Bible unless otherwise noted. Italics are mine.

For He hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
2 Corinthians 5:21 King James (Jesus became sin for us so we could be right with God)

Long ago, even before he made the world, God chose us to be his very own through what Christ would do for us; he decided then to make us holy in his eyes, without a single fault—we who stand before him covered with his love. Ephesians 1:4   (We are loved and blameless in His eyes.)

When someone becomes a Christian, he becomes a brand new person inside. He is not the same anymore. A new life has begun!
2 Corinthians 5:17 (We become a new creature once we accept Him.)

Even in his own land and among his own people, the Jews, he was not accepted. Only a few would welcome and receive him. But to all who received him, he gave the right to become children of God. All they needed to do was to trust him to save them.
John 1:12 (We are His children)

I no longer call you slaves, for a master doesn’t confide in his slaves; now you are my friends, proved by the fact that I have told you everything the Father told me.
John 15:15 (We are His Friends)

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
2 Timothy 1:7 King James (We no longer have to live in fear but live in power, love and free from anxiety)

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Philippians 4:13 King James (God gives us the strength to do ALL things, He wants us to achieve)

Jesus sent them out with these instructions: “Don’t go to the Gentiles or the Samaritans, 6 but only to the people of Israel—God’s lost sheep. Go and announce to them that the Kingdom of Heaven is near. Heal the sick, raise the dead, cure the lepers, and cast out demons. Give as freely as you have received!
Matthew 10: 5-8 (When this verse states, “Jesus sent them out” “them” also means us”)

WOW! The Lord sure has given us a astounding identity. Actually it is quite humbling. It amazes me even with all our imperfections the Lord loves us and sees us the way He does. I find it heartbreaking that there are so many people who don’t even have a clue who they are in Christ and what we can achieve through Him. Although we may never fully understand it, if we believe the Word of God, then we comprehend what He says is true. It is crucial to get into the Word so we don’t become prey to the identity thieves.

Identity thieves come in many shapes and forms. The main culprit is the enemy. The enemy has a way of tempting us and then justifying the action. As soon as we give into the temptation he beats us over the head with condemnation. He will make statements such as: “Oh, I can’t believe you just did that! You’re such a jerk! What an idiot you are! God is so disappointed in you, He will never answer your prayer now! God doesn’t love you anymore!” Etc., Etc. These are lies straight from the pit of hell. Yes, there may be consequences to our actions but it NEVER changes the way God feels about us. He loves us! NOTHING will and can change that. We still are who He says we are! Get into the Word and read who the Lord says you are.

Unfortunately, sometimes the thieves can come from the church. If you are in a church and all you hear preached is what a filthy rag you are and how you will never measure up, it is time to find another church. There are times when the Pastor will need to bring correction to his church, but if you leave that place mainly feeling bruised and beaten, your identity is being stolen from you. Ask the question, “who does Christ say I am?” Find another church that understands the new covenant and recognizes we are no longer under the law.

What if I hear someone is sick? I then feel led to go pray with them for healing. The thought comes to mind, “Right numbskull, after the argument you had with your husband this morning, the Lord is really going to use you. Ha! Come on, get real!” If I listen to that thought, I just became a target of identity theft. I need to rebuke that thought, remind myself who I am in Christ and know that the Lord wants me to pray for the sick and then just do it!

Sadly, many have grown up in dysfunctional homes. You may have been put down throughout your life and told you would never amount to anything. Even if you were blessed to grow up in the greatest of homes, sooner or later you’ll be attacked by these thieves. You can find them in the work place, neighborhood, school and anywhere there’s people. Try to remember that hurting people hurt people. Whatever terrible things were said about you, it is not who Christ says you are. Unless the Lord tells us otherwise, I see nothing wrong with parting ways with the identity thieves in our lives. Yes, we need to forgive and pray for them but that doesn’t mean we have to subject ourselves to their abuse.

I hope this gives a better understand on your identity and by no means let anyone steal it from you. I mentioned Andy Wommack before but I want to repeat, he is a wonderful teacher. If you listen to him on a daily basis and you don’t know who you are in Christ yet, you will after listening to him. You can even get his teachings for free. His program is called “The Gospel Truth.” This is not to take the place of your Bible reading or church. I do realize some cannot get to church or just haven’t found the right one yet. Bibles can be expensive BUT almost everyone has a computer or a digital reader such as an iPad, Kindle Fire, plus there are many more. Many Bible apps are free and you can read almost any version. You can also read two versions side by side which I especially like. My favorites are Bible Gateway and You Version so if you don’t have a Bible get on line or get one of the free apps and read all about your identity. You won’t be sorry.