Good day
In the (A) part of this message we looked at how, as a Christian, our identity is rooted and founded in God (Christ) and what He says about us.
Secondly, and in the context of shining our light, we identify with Christianity when we take on the works of Jesus Christ:
John 6:28-29, 38-40
Then they said to Him, “What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?” Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent.” For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. This is the will of the Father who sent Me, that of all He has given Me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up at the last day. And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day.”
John 4:34-38
Jesus said to them, “My food (nourishment/fulfillment) is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work. Do you not say, ‘There are still four months and then comes the harvest’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest! And he who reaps receives wages, and gathers fruit for eternal life, that both he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together. For in this the saying is true: ‘One sows and another reaps.’ I sent you to reap that for which you have not labored; others have labored, and you have entered into their labors.” (this refers to reaching people with the gospel of Jesus Christ)
Upon leaving for Heaven, Jesus gave the below commandment to His disciples (and to us as Christians) (where He now entrusts them/us with this work/mission)
Matthew 28:18-20
Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Ephesians 2:10
For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
Again, we see that as a Christian, the Apostle Paul embraced this work/assignment/mission:
Philippians 1:22-25
For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. So here’s my dilemma: Each day I live means bearing more fruit in my ministry; yet I fervently long to be liberated from this body and joined fully to Christ. That would suit me fine, but the greatest advantage to you would be that I remain alive. So you can see why I’m torn between the two—I don’t know which I prefer. Yet deep in my heart I’m confident that I will be spared so I can add to your joy and further strengthen and mature your faith.
I Corinthians 9:16, 19-22
For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel! For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more; and to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might win Jews; to those who are under the law, as under the law, that I might win those who are under the law; to those who are without law, as without law (not being without law toward God, but under law toward Christ), that I might win those who are without law; to the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.
Unfortunately there are Christians who want to identify with God's love and forgiveness towards them in the form of the free gift of salvation, with His acceptance, His help, answered prayer, etc. In other words, they quite easily want to identify (or embrace) the components of God that benefit and suit them (their lifestyle, schedule, priorities, habits, etc.) - but when it comes to identifying with the components that require us to do something for Him, then some unfortunately shy away or look to excuse themselves from this. It's like a king or president who wants to enjoy all the benefits and pleasures that their title/position brings along with it but denies, overlooks or neglects the responsibilities that come along with it.
As Christians, we need to embrace both: Our identity is rooted and founded in God (Christ) and what He says about us as well as doing the works Jesus expects of us. Both of these are pivotal when it comes to the subject of "shining our light"
We've been drafted into the most important assignment/work of them all, having been "employed/tasked/commissioned" by the most important "person" of them all.
We have been bestowed the greatest honour and privilege, and that is to be asked to do something by the King of kings and Lord of lords, by the Creator and Sustainer of the universe, by our loving Heavenly Father who gave His life for us so that we might have life (with & in Him)
Always remember my friend that your life has meaning! The very fact that you exist on this planet means that God saw it fit to place you here and has a reason for you being here. Each one of us carry out these good works in the unique giftings and callings God has graced us with. Therefore no one should ever think that their life/role/giftings/talents/calling is insignificant! Your life and obedience to God is important, not only to God, but to those around you as well!
Choose today to embrace your identity as a child of God.
Amen