storytime

After the war was over, John was finally set free from the Japanese POW camp. A family in the U.S. decided to take him in to help him recover from the years of suffering he’d endured. Not only had John’s task-masters abused him physically, but they caused him emotional turmoil by telling him we was worthless, yelling, and cutting him down. The family that took him in made up a comfortable room for him and committed to caring for him in every way. To their surprise, they found that once John entered his new room – he never left. For days the family didn’t see him come out of his room. When they went in to check on him they found that he was sleeping on the floor in the corner. When they woke him he cowered in fear. The family assured him of this truth: “John, you are no longer a prisoner. You are now a free man. Therefore, act like it. You don’t have to fear. You don’t have to be a slave. You can now enjoy the freedom of a good life – with us!”
It is similar with understanding our identity in Christ. We are no longer enemies of God, slaves to sin, or whatever else we thought of ourselves before we trusted in Christ. We are now His beloved children, forgiven, holy, free to enjoy and serve Him. If we see ourselves this way – it will change how we feel about ourselves and how we live.
​What we believe about ourselves has a direct impact on how we feel. Both our thoughts and feelings greatly influence our actions. 
Position
  • God says I am “in Christ”
  • What is true of Jesus is true of me
  • I am holy, 100% accepted, indwelt by the Spirit, and loved
Condition
  • I don’t always feel accepted by God
  • When I sin, I’m not living out holiness – its hard to feel justified in Christ
  • I don’t feel like I’m doing enough for God
The key is to go to God’s word over and over in faith, trusting in what He says is true of us. We need to appropriate identity truths. This means we own them; take hold of them. Truly, there is no authority in the opinions of others or what our feelings tell us. Only our Creator has the authority to define us.

“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…” Romans 12:2

a life giving identity

In general, false identities that we accept lead us in one of two directions when it comes to our feelings: insecure or prideful. Our identity in Christ gives us confidence, yet keeps us humble because we did not earn our new identity. In fact, we deserve God’s judgment and have been given a new identity by grace.
Identity in Christ Gives Confidence
  • I’m fully accepted by the One that really matters: God.
  • Even when I fail, I’m still accepted. He forgives and helps me.
Identity in Christ Keeps Me Humble
  • I don’t deserve my position in Christ
  • I’m no better than anyone else

process it

What can you do to take hold of your position in Christ more?