Identity

A person's identity is established by the ideals they subject themselves to. For Christians, they should be those established by Jesus. Should a professing believer embrace ideals other than this, their witness will appear no different than what the world already observes, adding to the confusion of the lost. As Christ followers, it is important to identify ourselves as those bought with a price; that by our submission alone, the kingdom of God is displayed through us to the world.

Whether husband, wife, father, mother, single, elder, or child, we are called to a particular place of submission in Christ and it is here our identity becomes fruitful. Surrender is entirely contrary to our human nature, and it is only by faith that we enter into our identities, by the evidence God Himself has given us.

Those of us who defy subjecting ourselves to our mandated roles, struggle with the Holy Spirit that is persistent in revealing God's will, while our selfishness within fights back. The evidence of such is chaos. Seeking peace and comfort from the battles, we find ourselves engaging in one uphill battle after another, searching for creative ways to overcome the Spirit's call on our lives.

The promise of Jesus is that he will never leave us or forsake us. He continually sends people and circumstances across our path to get our attention. This is the patience of our loving Father as we endure this baptism of dying to self, that we may buried and ultimately be identified with Jesus as we submit ourselves, where we will then receive the third part of our baptism; the resurrection. Not only on the last day, but here and now.

"He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you who through him are believers in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God." (1 Peter 1:20,21)

PJR

"Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, 'You shall be holy, for I am holy.'" (1 Peter 1:13-16)