Our True Identity in Christ

Romans 12:2 tells us “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” One of the hardest concepts for many Christians is finding their true identity but when we give our lives to Christ, we are to stand apart from the world. For many Christians, our will is strong but our flesh is weak and we are unable to let a lot of what the world says is important, go.

This is a problem that I still have today. Many mistake separating ourselves from the world with we cannot enjoy things while we are on Earth which is false but we are not to put anything above God, ever, and while we all want to be loved especially by those we care for and hold close, there will come times when living for Christ will cause a conflict with those we love. When this happens, we will have a real decision to make about our eternal destination.

These decisions may, indeed, be some of the most difficult ones we will ever have to make and while making them, although we may stand alone; we must always stand for Christ as we are a new creation in Him. It must be stressed that this does not mean that we are a perfect creation but rather, our identity is found in Christ. Scripture tells us in 2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creation: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”

We are not just made for God’s glory but rather, we are made to be like God. Genesis 1:27 tells us that “So God created man in his [own] image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.” Many of us below search and seek out favor and acceptance of this world but these things will leave us empty and are never enough. God warns us about the love of money as it becomes the driving force in our lives and leaves us with wanting more.

Proverbs 31:30 tells us that “Favour [is] deceitful, and beauty [is] vain: [but] a woman [that] feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.” Many times, a Proverbs 31 woman is referred to in society as she is greatly sought after and perhaps— more than ever before—is needed today. The problem with many in today’s society is we look at the outer appearance of an individual rather than seeing a person for their real worth. We see this at different times within scripture and is commonplace for many throughout this world.

But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for [the LORD seeth] not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.” The things of this world that are seen as good and looked up favorably are not always seen the same way by God which is why we should always look up. Proverbs 16:13 teaches us that our identity and our works are found with Him as Christ establishes our ways and thoughts: “Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.”

–1 Samuel 16:7