YOUR IDENTITY
The dictionary says that the meaning of the word "Identity" is: The set of characteristics that somebody recognizes as belonging uniquely to himself or herself and constituting his or her individual personality of life.
A person has no identity nor do they know who they are apart from a relationship with Jesus.
That is why we latch on to practically anything in our desperate need to discover who we are and find ourselves determining our identity through:
- Our appearance, our material status
- Our occupation, our success in life and business
- Our abilities, gifts and talents
- Our family relationships
- Our friends
- Our denominational affiliation
- People and personalities we look up to and make idols out of.
When you have a "relationship" with someone there is a significant connection that happens between two people that invokes an emotional close friendship and a bond. You find that you are drawn together by similarities of likes, feelings, interests, behaviors, and are able to communicate with each other and this is called "Intimacy."
This is the only way we can truly know who we really are and that is through the one who created us. When we are identified with Him, we have an identity that can't be shaken or taken away. In God's big picture, it's not what you are or how the world sees you, nor how you look on the outside, but who you are on the inside.
In I Peter 3: 3 & 4 it tells us: AMP
Verse 3: Let not yours be the merely(merely)external adorning with(elaborate) interweaving and knotting of the hair, the wearing of jewelry, or changes of clothes.
Verse 4: But let is be the inward adorning and beauty of the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible and unfading charm of the gentle and peaceful spirit which (is not anxious or wrought up, but) is very precious in the sight of God.
He begins the process of developing our identity and the character of Jesus Christ within us at the moment of our salvation. And as we continue to pray and study the word of God, we begin to understand and comprehend where our identity really is found. He then faithfully continues that process throughout our spiritual journey and experiences until the day we die as Philippians 1:6 tells us:
Verse 6: Being confident of this, that he who begin a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
Remember: God isn't finished with us yet and He loves us to much to leave us where were at.
In Psalms 139:13 & 14 says:
Verse 13: For You did form my inward parts; You did knit me together in my mother's womb.
Verse 14: I will give thanks to Thee, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Thy works and my soul knows it very well.
According to these verses, God made you just the way you are. And since God made us it doesn't make sense to build a "self image" or base "your identity" on what others say or what the world thinks about you.
The world's opinions are constantly changing from moment to moment and it is impossible to find any stability in what the world or people say. We need a proper "self image" and our "identity" should be based on the truth from God's perspective. Sense God crated us and knows us better than we know ourselves, it makes perfect sense to begin listening to what God says about us.
You are not who you are because of your own or others opinions, but you are who you are because of what God says about you. Begin listening to God and what His word says about who you are. Quote the word of God and get it into your spirit and allow the Holy Spirit to do the work inside of you.
Because your "identity is "in Christ" ... you have joined Him in His death, burial and resurrection. Your "old identity" is gone and your "new identity" is eternal and you have been given the righteousness of God.
Remember: You have the DNA of the Father in you.
You may be thinking what does she mean I have the DNA of the Father? First let me explain what natural DNA is:
DNA contains the genetic instructions specifying the biological development of all cellular forms of life. And within that DNA there are molecules that are responsible for the genetic multiplying by reproduction of most inherited traits that come from our parents.
So spiritually, we have inherited the DNA of the Father and this DNA represents the Holy Spirit that was placed in us at the time of salvation. So spiritually speaking we have inherited the same traits that Christ has therefore; we have the genetic capability of developing the character of Christ. And how do you do that? By looking inward at the real you and allowing the Holy Spirit to do the work in you.
In II Corinthians 3:18 the word tells us:
Verse 18: But we all, with unveiled face beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image of glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit.
Beloved, if you will allow the Holy Spirit to transform you into the same image as Christ, then you will begin to see the changes come. And that, that once was veiled because of sin, fear, doubt and unbelief will be unveiled by the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. We know that we will never be perfect intil the perfect one comes. But there is a place, a position and destination that the Lord wants to take you to in your life, in your relationship with Him and you're ministry that will not only change your life, but those around you. You have the capacity and the capablilty to change and it's up to you. God has done His part, now it is up to us to take hold of the truth that will set us free for change.
Blessings,
Elma Garlock
Look fully into his glorious face, and Live!
ReplyDeleteFor God commanded the light to shine out of darkness. And he has shined his light abroad in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge, of the glory of God in the Face Of Jesus, The Christ.