Finding our Identity in Christ - Part 3 of 3

We have addressed how our identities are formed as well as how they are shaped by the voices that we listen to. In today’s blog I want to discuss how an “identity in Christ” is lived out.

Scripture tells us that when we become believers - we aren’t just different but we have actually become a new creation:

2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

What the Apostle Paul is telling us here is that we have not just decided to change whatever identity we used to have, but we have received a whole new one by being “in Christ.” We aren’t just reformed, rehabilitated or re-educated - we are re-created in Christ. It has fundamentally changed who we are. As such, we are now we are equipped with the Holy Spirit and are called to “walk in Him.”

Colossians 2:6-7 Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith…

So what does it look like for us to be firmly rooted, built up and established in our faith?

Being firmly rooted means that we have our “durable core” identity in Christ. This new identity defines who we are and it travels with us throughout all of our roles and responsibilities in this life. We will still have our temptations and struggles but our core is now rooted in Christ.

Being built up is the process of sanctification that we all go through. The root word “sanctify” means to be “set apart.” Sanctification means that we have been set apart and the Holy Spirit is working in our lives to conform us to the image of Christ. This is a lifelong journey for each of us.

Being established in our faith is the process of maturing as Christians. Some translations use the word strengthened in our faith. As we grow closer to Him, we become more confident and assured in our beliefs and in our effectiveness in serving Him and others.

So how does this all play out in our lives with having our identity in Christ? Our faith defines us and influences everything we do, how we do it and how we view this life. It’s not just an “add-on” or a part of who we are, it comes to the forefront of every aspect of our lives. We aren’t just a father, mother, husband, wife, son, daughter, worker or student who happens to be a Christian. We are a Christian father, a Christian mother, a Christian husband or wife, a Christian worker or student etc…

This should be apparent to those around us. Others should be able to see this difference in us by how we live our lives.

We aren’t perfect, but we are changed.

Stay hungry,

Big E