We are human BEINGS

 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:

So many people think that our sole mission is to grow the church. But as Pastor Jamey oh-so-eloquently put it last Sunday, "churches are just sheep shacks." They are simply buildings meant to build us up and equip us to go out, not caves we are meant to dwell in. God has already built the church and has given us the keys to the Kingdom (Matthew 16:18), so now it's time to go out! We are meant to set people free in their identity in Christ. So isn't it so very important for us to be solid in who we are? Back to identity...

  

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

-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...

Trust.

There's a tall ladder. At the top of it is your destination; the deepest desire of your heart. But where are we on that ladder? How long until you get to the top of it? What happens when God seems to be illuminating only the next couple of rungs?

Psalm 37 has been coming to mind all week, and then Pastor Jamey went ahead and did a mini sermon on it this morning! I love how God will confirm the direction He gives us.

Psalm 37:3-9
Trust in the Lord and do good, dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Take delight in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun. Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. Refrain from anger and turn from wrath, do not fret—it leads only to evil. For those who are evil will be destroyed, but those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land.

The message is clear. Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him. Just as He has provided for us thus far in life, and gives us encouragement through fellowship with other Christians, we should be releasing control, listening for His voice to give direction, and then walk in confidence in the direction He gave.

You know what Christian circles say about asking God for patience? Jokingly we're always reminded NOT to do that! Why? Because God will give us circumstances that will test our patience. He is really good at never giving up on us by always giving us situations that will test our trust in Him. Even when we fail, His grace and mercy remains. He picks us back up and provides another chance. We will never reach full potential on this side of Heaven, so this message is true in all seasons of life.

This is all easier said than done, I know, but it doesn't matter if we can't see past what is in front of us. God said the fulfillment of promise will come to those who trust in Him and wait patiently.

We release control and give Him our trust.