Our Identity

Our Identity

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When we think about “our identity” what comes to mind? What influences do we allow to shape “our identity?” What label do we choose to define us? Is it work; ministry; sports; family? Is it being parents, sisters, brothers or kids? Is the label of who we are religious, regardless of the faith? Is the label we choose being someone? The list of labels can go on and on but are the labels who we are or just what we do?

If the labels are not who we are, then to what do we identify ourselves?

When I was young my mother told me to be careful whom you hang out with. If they are a success, you will be perceived as successful. If they get in trouble, you will be considered part of the problem even if you did nothing. You will be painted with the same brush as they are just by association.

There is a difference between interacting with and associating. The act of “associating” influences our identity deep down in the core of our being; thus, influencing our choices and outcomes. Identity is so crucial to who we are and what we do. God shows us this with the start of Jesus’ ministry. We have confirmation of Jesus’ identity when John was baptizing Him.

“At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. Just as Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you, I am well pleased.”

Mark 1:9-11 NIV

God wanted Jesus to know His identity just as He wants us to know ours. Before Jesus did anything in His life’s work here on earth; before Jesus accomplished anything; He understood who He was. Not what He did but who He was.

The declaration of Christ’s identity wasn’t for those around him to hear. It wasn’t for the masses to know, because if they knew who He was by God’s declaration they would never have crucified Him and His purpose would never have been accomplished. The declaration was for Jesus to unequivocally know who He is.

His identity was as God’s own Son; His purpose was to redeem a fallen world and to build a bridge so mankind could choose to follow God.

Jesus was human yet with a divine origin. As a human God said to Jesus before you do anything I want you to know: You are My Son, I Love You, and I am well pleased with You. The Holy Spirit as a dove rested on Jesus then led Him into the wilderness. Jesus spent time with the Father and was guided by the Holy Spirit. Then Jesus was tested by the one He came to defeat.

Jesus knowing who His Father was He trusted His Father and knew who He himself was. Satan lost that battle and all subsequent battles regarding Jesus. When we know who we are we will be able to stand firm in what we do, just as Jesus did.When we put on the spiritual armor something interesting happens. All the armor we attach to our body is a representation of Jesus.

Note:

Belt of truth: Jesus is the way, the truth, and the light.

Breastplate of righteousness: Christ’s righteousness – He never sinned, not even once.

Feet covered with the Gospel of peace: The Gospels are an account of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection.

The helmet of Salvation: Jesus’ death and resurrection purchased our salvation. Jesus bought our freedom to choose; therefore we are no longer slaves to sin but free.

We cover ourselves with all of the components of Christ, His life, death, and resurrection. We learn His principles and what He values. We discover how He lived and how He stood fast in His purpose here on the earth.

The other two pieces of armor are the Shield of Faith and the Sword of the Spirit. The Shield of Faith is the acceptance and belief that God is whom He says He is and that His Word and all that it contains is true.

The last of the armor but surely not the least is the Sword of the Spirit. This is God’s word in all of its’ strength, fulfillment, and promises. From Genesis to Revelation: the whole counsel of God. Christ knew who He was and He knew His purpose. God gave Him the Holy Spirit to lead and strengthen Him. Jesus had all of the relationships and tools to finish what He came here to do.

In John Jesus makes it clear He could not do it alone:

Jesus gave them this answer: “Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does.”

John 5:19 New International Version (NIV) accomplish our purposes here on earth we need Jesus with what He accomplished and the Holy Spirit.

When we look at the things of this world to determine our identity we are limited to our strengths and our weaknesses. When we look at what we’ve accomplished, what we know, or whom we know, as our identity then it can be gone in an instant. We are building on shifting sand.

The Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit do not change. They are not situational. They are consistent. They are Love in all of its’ forms. When we associate our identity with Jesus, when we put on the portions of the armor that are Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, we are identifying and associating with Christ in all that He is.

When our identity is based on our Heavenly Father and the one that gave His life for us we are free. We are able to be a reflection of our Savior and who we are impacts what we do. We only have two commandments; Love God with all of our mind, heart, and soul then Love our neighbor as ourselves.

Once we know “our identity” then our purpose has passion and resolve; rich with grace and fulfillment.

With our two commands in mind and knowing our identity (that which influences what we do), our purpose becomes more about God’s plan in the earth and our part in that plan. As we understand our identity we will flourish in our fulfilling His two commands.

Are we willing to pursue, understand and align our identity with Christ? Are we willing to spend time in His Word so that we can get to know Him?