I've been working on leading a discussion with my young adults group on identity. Why is it so important for us to understand who we are; especially at our stage in life?
The purpose of realizing your identity is to help you understand who God created you to be. You will be better equipped to step into your calling and recognize your dreams. You will be able to launch well into the next season of your life (marriage, career, education, etc). But it also helps us build the Kingdom and not the church...let me explain that one briefly:
What
does it mean to have your identity in Christ?
It's not just a matter of claiming
Bible verses for yourself. To have your identity in Christ means that
you're placing your confidence for life and eternity in the Lord. It
means that you're learning to do all that you do with and for Jesus.
It means that people will see Jesus when they look at you. To have
your identity in Christ means that you are being formed more and more
into the image of the Lord.
Identity revolves around who we are,
not what we do. Your calling is not your identity. Your commission is
not your identity. Business owner, pastor, burger flipper, school
teacher, evangelist, etc are descriptions of things you do, they are
not who you are fundamentally. Your vocation is an expression of who you are, not the root. (Ever meet a workaholic who lost their job and lost motivation in life?) Have our priorities as Americans helped us or hindered us in this way? In eternity, it's your character and
identity that will remain, not the life you built for yourself.
Who are we in Christ? Did you
know...“In Christ” is referenced 160x in the Bible!
Romans 8:14-17
-We are sons of God
-We are sons of God
-Closest form of intimacy with Father
-Fellow heirs with Christ
1 Corinthians 3:21-23
- As co-heirs with Christ, we literally
have been given all things because Christ was given all things. Think about that...if it was given to Christ, miracles and signs and wonders, WE GET TO DO IT TOO!
Ephesians 5:22-33
Revelation 19:7
- Bride of Christ
- Closest form of intimacy with the Son
- We have all of Him
1 Corinthians 6:19
- Temple of the Holy Spirit
- Closest form of intimacy with the
Spirit
- He dwells within us in intimate
communion
In all instances we have the closest
relationship to God possible without becoming part of His Godhead. We
lack nothing and the outflow of our identity should be to "enjoy
God and be enjoyed by Him" (John Piper). Oh, and you don't have
to do anything to "be" these things. It wouldn't be
identity if you did. We are human beings not human doings.
Ask God to surprise you with who He created you to be, not with what He created you to do. You won't be able to fully come into your calling without first understanding who you are.
To be continued...
No comments:
Post a Comment