Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.

Colossians 3:2-3

How do you identify yourself? Are you a mother, a father, a brother, a sister? Do you work in a bank or a school or a supermarket? By what names are you called? How we identify ourselves and how the world identifies us might be different. For thirty years, I have identified myself as TEACHER. On January 19, I was encouraged by Pastor Amy to take on a new label: that of preacher. That Sunday proved to be a snowy day, but a few brave souls were present as I spoke about our identities in Christ at both services.

I started by asking everyone to take out the insert from their bulletin and see how many “names” and “roles” they fulfilled. I pointed out that these roles were how the world saw them. But as Christians, we have other roles that might be hidden from the world.

WE ARE ALIVE IN CHRIST.

Christ not only died for our sins but so did our old, sinful selves. When He rose from the dead, we were reborn into life again! We are no longer defined by our old selves, or what is written on our bulletin inserts.

Ephesians 2:1-3 says this:

At one time you were dead because of your sins. You followed the sinful ways of the world and obeyed the leader of the power of darkness.

But the loving-kindness of God “Made us alive by what Christ did for us!” (verse 5).

WE ARE CHILDREN OF GOD.

We were once orphans, but Christ gave us new status. God has adopted us into his family. The Bible gives us many examples of adoption.

Romans 8:15-16 says this:

You should not act like people who are owned by someone. They are always afraid. Instead, the Holy Spirit makes us His sons, and we can call to Him, “My Father.” For the Holy Spirit speaks to us and tells our spirit that we are children of God.

SET APART FOR GOD’S PURPOSES

We are no longer defined by our mistakes. Whatever we have done, God has forgiven us and given us a new purpose in life.

Ephesians 4:24 says this:

You must become a new person and be God-like. Then you will be made right with God and have a true holy life.

REST IN GOD’S GRACE

At times, we all feel as if we are carrying heavy loads. Jesus gives us rest and comfort. We still have to do the hard things, but we do not need to do them alone, because Jesus gives our spirits comfort and rest.

Matthew 11:28-29 says this:

Come to me, all of you who work and have heavy loads. I will give you rest. Follow my teachings and learn from Me. for I am gentle and do not have pride. You will have rest for your souls.

WE ARE FOUND, NOT LOST

We are no longer lost in the dark forest of sin. We walk in the light, even without the benefit of a GPS. Our very names are written on the palms of God’s hands! ( Isaiah 49:19). That’s how much he cares for us!

Luke 19:10 says this:

For the Son of Man came to look for and to save from the punishment of sin those who were lost.

WE ARE FREE FROM SHAME

The rejection of others and the inability to live up to our own high standards can cause us to feel shame. Psychology Today defines shame as a negative image of yourself. But in Christ, we have no shame. In the Book of Isaiah, the Israelites are mourning the loss of their lands and exile, but the prophet gives them hope.

Isaiah 61:7 says

Instead of shame, you will have a share that is twice as much. Instead of being without honor, they will sing for joy over all you receive. So they will have twice as much in their land, and joy that lasts forever will be theirs.

Where should you root your identity? In the world or in Christ?

Let’s close with this poem by St Teresa of Avila.

Christ Has No Body

Christ has no body but yours,
No hands, no feet on earth but yours,
Yours are the eyes with which he looks
Compassion on this world,
Yours are the feet with which he walks to do good,
Yours are the hands, with which he blesses all the world.
Yours are the hands, yours are the feet,
Yours are the eyes, you are his body.
Christ has no body now but yours,
No hands, no feet on earth but yours,
Yours are the eyes with which he looks
compassion on this world.
Christ has no body now on earth but yours.

Will you be the eyes of Christ? Will you be the feet of Christ? Will you be the hands of Christ? Will you be the body of Christ?

Will you?