As followers of Christ, we are to be in this world but not of this world. If we are just passing through, should our identity be with Christ, or this world. Our identity is formed by the union of our soul with God — or in the apostles' phrase, “it is Christ formed within us.” In our culture today, as we hear about identity theft, probably the most common question about our identity is to answer the question what do you do? When we are in a meeting or meeting someone new, the common routine is to give a name and title of the organization where you work. As believers, is this our true identity?
The common practice with television games shows like Family Feud, Wheel of Fortune etc. is to identify contestants by stating their name and answer the question, what do you do? Most are common replies such as police officer, school teacher, dentist, writer, clerk, truck driver etc. Not long ago, when the Family Feud host was going down the line asking participants what do you do, a middle-aged woman replied, “I am a discipler of Christians.” The host Steve Harvey (who usually has a quick reply) stared at her almost stunned at the statement not knowing how to respond.
This started me thinking what would I say other than my occupation. How about you? Have you considered how to identify who you are in Christ rather than of this world? Is our job titles, our degrees or certificates or awards or boards we serve on or publications we write that forms our identity, or should it be our steward role with Christ?
The hymn words of Keith Getty and Stuart Townsend In Christ Alone set a good example:
In Christ alone my hope is found; He is my light, my strength, my song. This cornerstone, this solid ground, firm through the fiercest drought and storm. ... No guilt in life, no fear in death—this is the pow’r of Christ in me. From life’s first cry to final breath, Jesus commands my destiny. No pow’r of hell, no scheme of man, can ever pluck me from His hand. Till He returns or calls me home — here in the pow’r of Christ I’ll stand.
Recently, my mother-in-law went to her heavenly home and I was reminded of how God prepares a special place just for us in heaven (John 14:2-3). CS Lewis writes: “Your place in heaven will seem to be made for you and you alone, because you were made for it — made for it stitch by stitch as a glove is made for a hand.” I can’t help but believe how we identify ourselves here on earth will make a different in our heavenly home. George Whitfield suggested we “live a life of faith on earth, live a life of vision in heaven.”
What is your identity?
-- Wes Willmer
