(Continued)
The question of identity challenges us and asks of us – in that moment of decision - Are you a Christian (in the full sense of the word) or are you still “you” (your old self, your own will and your own desires)?
Paul says in Acts 20:18-24, “You know, from the first day that I came to Asia, in what manner I always lived among you, 19 serving the Lord with all humility, with many tears and trials which happened to me by the plotting of the Jews; 20 how I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, and taught you publicly and from house to house, 21 testifying to Jews, and also to Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. 22 And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there, 23 except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me. 24 But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.
He says also in Galatians 2:20 that “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”
Jesus Christ of course is the ultimate example of someone who lived a life of understanding His identity and knowing what He stood for, and thus living a life rooted and passionate about fulfilling His purpose … He knew who He was and what He stood for and didn’t allow anyone or anything to defer Him from that.
… And He’s calling us to do the same
Our identity is this -> I am a Christian - that is who I am - I live for God and His purposes – this is my identity – this is who I am; it is no longer I who live but Christ who lives in me – I’m alive for His purposes – I live for His agenda and not my own – when choices are to be made; I am to choose Him above all else – my will must become and Be His will – His kingdom and His Priority is to become my central focus – I live for Him who died for me – I am no longer my own, but my life has been bought and paid for by the precious blood of Jesus … This is who I am – this is what I stand for – this is what I’m alive for … and in my moments of decision - This is my Identity!