Identity When Jesus Rules

March 10, 2023

In this new life, it doesn’t matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized, slave, or free. Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us. Colossians 3:11 NLT

When we find new life in Christ, premiere among the incredible gifts we receive is a new identity. Now I can see myself the way God sees me, as His dearly loved child. I will also develop eyes to see others as they are, just as loved by God and significant as I am.

A broken sense of identity is central to the human race since sin marred us at the core in the garden. Everyone has an innately flawed sense of self. But new life in Christ, making Him the center of everything, restores my spirit to be able to flourish in my true identity. As His Spirit works within me, I have the eyes and the heart to allow others to flourish too.

Having a rock-solid understanding of your identity in Christ is essential to living your life the way He intended. You will never have to work to fit in or struggle to realize your worth when you get it. You will understand that you are defined by God, not by your race, your political stance, your family, your capabilities, your past, your gender, or any of the labels and categories we assign to each other. You know you are who God says you are. When Jesus is first, your everything, it is His opinion that matters.

Have you noticed the epidemic of “Christian contempt”? I believe it is the most serious issue the Church of Christ faces today and is the sinister source of our lack of influence in the world. While Jesus’ one command is that we love one another as He has loved us, and He said it would be the only proof to the world that we are His, we are notable for our disdain, contempt, and even hatred of those with whom we disagree. It seems to be a badge of honor in our ranks to call out those we believe are wrong and make sharp dividing lines. But a sure sign that your identity in Christ is not yet settled is your perspective and attitude toward others. As long as you are still labeling, then rejecting or accepting people based on how you see them and how they align with your beliefs, you are not living up to your identity in Christ. Romans 5:8 says that while we were the worst of sinners, Christ loved us so much that He died for us. Your identity does not make you better than anyone else. Your identity allows you to see every person as a child of God, equally loved by our mutual Father, full of potential and purpose.

Most of the issues in your life and relationships will take a giant step forward when your identity in Christ is settled. It will only be settled when He rules in every area of your life, and your focus is on what matters eternally. “Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us” (Colossians 3:11 NLT).

• In all honesty, what would people say identifies you? What is your identifying mark? Ask God to show you your true identity and help you live up to who He says you are. Ask Him to help you treat everyone else as equally valued.