The Gift of Identity

What is your identity? Most dictionaries define “identity” as a mixture of who you are, as well as how you are different from others. What makes you “you?” How do you define yourself? What makes you different from others?

There are many things we tend to use to form our identity. We might point to our talents (mechanical, artistic, practical, numerical, emotional, etc.). We might look to our roles in life (parent, spouse, sibling, neighbor, etc.) or our training and experience (teacher, attorney, doctor, secretary, cashier, food service worker, student, retiree, etc.). We may use our personality and character traits (patient, kind, persistent, productive, laid-back, efficient, relaxed, etc.) We might believe that our identity is formed through our current circumstances (employed or unemployed, healthy or sick, welcomed or lonely, fulfilled or empty). We may even form our identity based on what other people think of us (stated or implied, positive or negative).

Although we often perceive ourselves in those ways, the problem with using our talents, roles, personality or character traits, current circumstances, and other people’s impressions is that they are always changing! It’s true that we change every day, in both small and/or significant ways, but who are we, really, if we are always changing?

This week, we celebrate our identity in Christ (Ephesians 2), which never changes  Although we are sinful human beings (Romans 3:23-24), that is not our identity, as even that is changing, and will someday change forever (I Corinthians 15:50-52). If we grasp and celebrate our identity in the One who never changes (Malachi 3:6)., we can look beyond the imperfect circumstances, unkind comments, rollercoaster emotions, overwhelming circumstances, and frequent failures that otherwise threaten to define us. Our identity is sure: we are sons/daughters of the King and Creator of the Universe (2 Corinthians 6:18), Heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17), God’s own masterpiece! (Ephesians 2:8-10)

If your identity is sure, gather around the manger this week with the shepherds and wisemen, giving glory and gratitude to the most precious gift we have ever been given.

If you do not yet have this knowledge of a sure identity, gather around to worship and submit to Him, knowing He welcomes you into the assurance of His love, faithfulness, and forgiveness (2 Peter 1:1-11).

That’s the most wonderful gift this Christmas—the gift of a sure, unchanging, forever identity in Him!