Day 29 – Identity in Christ or in You? ~ Julie Earl
Galatians 6:11-14
11 See what large letters I use as I write to you with my own hand!
12 Those who want to impress people by means of the flesh are trying to compel you to be circumcised. The only reason they do this is to avoid being persecuted for the cross of Christ. 13 Not even those who are circumcised keep the law, yet they want you to be circumcised that they may boast about your circumcision in the flesh. 14 May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.
Julie’s Nugget
For many years I found my identity in what I did rather than what Christ did. I didn’t realize it fully as a young person, but it was ugly pride. Just as the Jews in the passage above were struggling to let go of the laws and rules that had defined them as a people, I had to let go of everything that was defining me as a Christian and a person – singing solos, being a runner, reading the Bible, going to church and even doing good deeds and being “spiritual.”
None of those things are wrong, but they are meant to flow out of my identity in Christ – not create my identity.
Pause and ask yourself, “Would I feel just as loved, just as special, just as important to God if all I did was sit around all day and do nothing?” If you can answer yes, then you have probably found your identity in Christ rather than your deeds.
If your answer is no, then you are probably finding at least part of your identity in what you do rather than who you are in Christ.
It Doesn’t Matter What Others Think
The beauty of finding your identity in Christ, is that it no longer matters what others think. You know you are loved by God, and your behaviors flow out of that love, so the approval of man is no longer important. When the King of all Kings calls you beloved and precious, it doesn’t matter what the rest of the kingdom thinks of you.
As a result, you no longer do anything in order to gain approval from God or man. Instead, everything you do is in response to who you are – a beloved child of God who trusts God completely! What a great perspective from which to live your life!
You are truly loved beyond measure!
Julie Earl
(All scripture taken from the New International Version. Bold lettering mine.)