I have been learning a lot this month about identity. I have
heard that word over and over in sermons and Bible studies, but it never really
resonated with me until recently. During a time of major change in my life, I
want to remain rooted in who I am regardless of my changing surroundings and
circumstances. I know this is the case for most of us when we have a lot going
on. We often push ourselves to the backburner because we simply don’t have the
time. But what we don’t realize is that from who we are comes everything else.
Since our identity comes from God, we can only find it in
Him. Jesus says in Matthew, “If anyone wants to follow after me, let him deny
himself, take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life
will lose it, but whoever loses his life because of me will find it.” Sometimes
we let life speak louder than truth by letting our circumstances define who we
are and how we’re doing. It’s a form of idolatry to let things matter more than
what matters most, our relationship with Him and who He says we are.
We hear the words “die to self” and it seems intimidating,
but it really is a gift. There is nothing greater than fullness of union with
Christ: when we are fully surrendered and a walking sacrifice. His joy becomes
our joy; His love, our love; His peace, our peace; His strength, our strength.
From this place of identity, we no longer chase after the desires of the flesh
but rather, seek to glorify God in all areas of our life. From this place, we
no longer fear the future or provision. Lastly, we don’t have to suffer without
confidence that our circumstances will produce things of eternal value. Just as
Jesus’ sufferings were not wasted, neither will ours be. Praise God that He
loves us enough to take us from brokenness and rebellion to a new identity in
Christ because of the sacrifice of His Son. There is no life apart from Him and
we can experience this fullness of life when we lay down ourselves, our
schedules, and our control in order to step into who He says we are and who He
calls us to be.
Our youth will meet at 5 PM on Sunday, October 6th in the
fellowship hall. Due to the fall festival, we will not have a meeting on
Sunday, October 20th. Grace and peace,
Rachel
