Identity – 17 May 2010

One of the biggest problems faced by Christians today is a lack of understanding of our true identity.  Who are we, and what makes us tick?  One issue is that we have an identity stamped on us by our upbringing, our environment and our human selfish nature.

Satan would have us believe we are failures, we are worthless, we are broken and bad - and that to describe ourselves as “Christian” is hypocrisy, since we are not succeeding very well at imitating Christ.

This week I want to look at some aspects of our true identity, as a result of being reborn – a new creation.  The Message puts it well, paraphrasing Jesus’ words to the crowd during the Sermon on the Mount in modern language:

"You're familiar with the old written law, 'Love your friend,' and its unwritten companion, 'Hate your enemy.'  I'm challenging that.  I'm telling you to love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst.  When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer, for then you are working out of your true selves, your God-created selves.  This is what God does.  He gives his best—the sun to warm and the rain to nourish—to everyone, regardless: the good and bad, the nice and nasty.  If all you do is love the lovable, do you expect a bonus?  Anybody can do that.  If you simply say hello to those who greet you, do you expect a medal?  Any run-of-the-mill sinner does that.

"In a word, what I'm saying is, Grow up.  You're kingdom subjects.  Now live like it.  
Live out your God-created identity. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you." 

Matthew 5:43-48 [The Message]

Perhaps you can live out your God-created identity today, rather than the identity the world has stamped on you?