How My New Identity Changes Me
February 2, 2023
For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image. 2 Corinthians 3:17-18 NLT
I remember a decade ago when I went to the airport with other members of my family to meet dear friends who were arriving from China with their newly adopted toddler. We were all thrilled, the parents were ecstatic, and her older brother was enchanted with her. She was a precious little bundle and her eyes sparkled as she looked around at all the newness.
But it wasn’t all sweetness and light. Her prior life had given her much pain and confusion, and her little suitcase she brought with her carried nothing compared to the tumbled-up contents in her heart and mind. Landing in America and being adopted gave her a new life, but there was an abundance of growth ahead for her, some of it incredibly challenging.
Today she has grown into a confident, beautiful pre-teen. Her parents and teachers didn’t crush who she had been. They lovingly nurtured the beautiful person that was covered up by pain and struggle, and Emmie is now truly herself in her new identity. Will she grow more? Of course. Her parents and brother are still growing too. But her new identity immediately gave her resources for life that changed her for the good.
Our new identity does that for us, as well. Here are four magnificent changes our new identity makes. There are so many more as we cooperate with God’s Spirit to make us more and more like Jesus.
Our values change. We quit chasing after things that are temporary with little value and begin to pursue the things that last forever (1 John 2:15-17).
Fear diminishes. The future gradually loses its power to paralyze us (Romans 8:14-15).
We live for Jesus, an audience of One, and we quit judging and comparing ourselves with others (Romans 14:5-8).
We aren’t surprised or panicked by trouble and suffering because we know God will always work for our good (Romans 8:16-17, 28).
My new identity keeps making me better. Change? Bring it on.
- How is your new identity changing you? How are you more like Jesus?