Identities

I’ve been thinking about our identity—that is, who we are and what we are about.  I’ve been also pondering about what our identity in Christ looks like.  When I read Scripture,

I don’t think the Bible uses the word, “identity,” but I hear about it repeatedly in words like, “being found in Christ,” “hidden in Christ,” and “being clothed in Him.”

That being said, I see many examples of identity in Scripture.  I am reminded of a couple of people who went through a crises of identity.  Job went through an identity crises when all of his earthly possessions, family, and health were taken away.  John the Baptist was bewildered when he was imprisoned because his identity was wrapped up in his mission and work.

The person who never lost his identity was (you guessed it) Jesus.  When His life looked like it was going to end in tragedy, He said, “…it was for this very reason I came to this hour” (John 12:27).  The Hebrew writer tells us that when Jesus came into the world, He said, “Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but a body You prepared for Me..I have come to do Your will, O God” (Hebrews 10:5-7).

The Apostle Paul understood his identity in Christ.  Instead of lamenting how he was going to carry out his mission as an apostle after he was thrown in prison, he just continued preaching and writing letters.

When we know Who we belong to, life is not fatal, tragic, or terminal.  We’re just passing through—on our way Home.