Identity

Many things in life give us purpose, meaning and identity…

Identity is what gives you your own unique individuality from those around you. The definition of identity is summed up as “an individual's complete comprehension of themselves”. Having a correct and healthy identity is so important as it impacts our value, worth and self-esteem.

Many people base their identity from their appearance, possessions, performance, talents, social status and many others. But time and time again these things become our undoing as they are always unstable and uncertain in life.

Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock. But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.”

- Matthew 7:24-27 NLT

Pretty much nothing is certain in life except God and His Word. When you build your life and identity in Christ you are literally building your house on the rock. When the storms and winds come that house will not fall.

However, the sad truth is most people build their entire life on the sand and never change when their life comes crashing down. History has shown that to build your life and draw your identity on materialism, popularity, money and worldly achievements will never satisfy or last.

One of the most important questions you can ask yourself is this: Do you know who you are in Christ?

Do you see yourself as God sees you? And what is the foundation of your identity made up of and is it built on sand or rock?

This is one elementary subject that most Christians still don't fully understand. You simply cannot solve the problems of your world without right relationship with God and walking in the revelation of your true identity. When you find out who Jesus is, you will find out exactly who you are and your purpose in life.

1.       Your Identity in Christ is to be forgiven and set free from bondage;

2.       Your Identity in Christ is to be set free from the past and condemnation;

3.       Your Identity in Christ is to have your value, worth and meaning in relationship with Christ;

4.       Your Identity in Christ is to become everything God has for you;

5.       Your Identity in Christ is to be an Overcomer in any and every situation that comes against you;

6.       Your Identity in Christ is to rule in life and be a blessing to all those around you;

7.       Your Identity in Christ is to have an amazing, exciting and fantastic hope and future!

Jesus lived a life of greatness, purpose and victory because His identity was founded on His relationship with the Father. His identity was so essential that when He endured persecution, slander, an unfair trial and finally death by crucifixion, Jesus was untouchable! He lived above His circumstances and saw victory through every challenge. He left us His personal example to follow.

Matthew 3:16-17 says, As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”  Your revelation is your reality of who you really are before God in the universe.

Simply look at the life of Peter. He was flawed, self-righteous and betrayed the One he promised he would never leave. This was because his identity was based on what he could achieve and trusting in his own strength.

But Peter has a revelation of who Jesus is and his whole world changes. An atomic bomb goes off in his world! He no longer sees things from a worldly point of view, but an eternal one. He no longer sees lack but sees abundance. When Christ was risen and the Holy Spirit was poured out, not even the powers of hell could stop the advancement of the Kingdom of God!

Then he asked them, “But who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Jesus replied, “You are blessed, Simon son of John, because my Father in heaven has revealed this to you. You did not learn this from any human being. Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means ‘rock’), and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it. And I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. Whatever you forbid on earth will be forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit on earth will be permitted in heaven.”

- Matthew 18:15-19 NLT

Peter built God’s church on the revelation of who he was in Christ. God uses his greatest shame and turned it into the greatest victory with the day of Pentecost! (Acts 2) Before he was broken, ashamed and quiet. Now he was bold, anointed and empowered, with 3,000 added to the church on one day from his preaching!

I challenge you today: if you do not know who you are in Christ - wipe out everything you have to do this week, push back all schedules and cancel all meetings. Seek God with all your heart and pray fervently until you find who you really are in Christ. I guarantee you, who will be building your life on the rock which will last forever!