A new identity

"I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life that I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me."                                 Galatians 2:20 NKJV 

All of us have an identity which we mould ourselves on. It may be a parent, sibling or significant other such as a sports star, film or pop star. From quite an early age, we begin to almost be that person; posters on the bedroom walls, similar hairstyles and even though there may be no visible likeness of our hero, deep down we believe there is. This is ok and part of growing up and playing around with our identity. Our identity is the most important things about us.

When we become a Christian, things need to change. We must die to any identity that we have that is independent of Christ. Everything else must become secondary. Anything that does not identify with Jesus must go, we must die to it. Therefore we must die to self, be dead to reaction, dead to racist comments, unwholesome words, judgemental words and criticism and the like. There are possibly many others things that have to go; and that is anything that tries to take the place of Jesus, we must die to. Obviously, this is a sacrifice and, very difficult to do, it doesn't just happen, we must work hard to rid ourselves from these obstacles. Look at it this way it may be an everyday action to rid ourselves from certain things. Things that we have had within us all our life are stubborn and don't want to leave our lives but, they must. We must have a spiritual clear out of all things that trip is up.

Does this sound like we have to give up enjoying our life? Not at all. We have a new resident living within us - Jesus Christ and, we have elected to identify with Him, to be like Him. Therefore, we must be dead to the former evil things. Think of it this way, dead people don't react. If we are dead in Christ, living for Him totally, then we won't react to things the way the world would. We have a new identity, we were made in heaven. Yes, of course we will get it wrong from time to time - Peter did on a few occasions, but he rose to be a mighty man of God because he died to self and was risen with Jesus. 

And, if you have asked Jesus into your life, then you, also, have a new identity; you are a work in progress, just like Peter was. You can do this because you have joined the group - Team Jesus.

If you don't know Jesus or, have fallen away, why not say this prayer right now:

'Lord Jesus, I have sinned and I ask you to forgive me and be my Lord and Saviour. Please come into my heart, fill me with Your Spirit and give me a brand new start today.

In Jesus' Name. Amen'

Copyright 2024 Grahame Howard.                                

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

If you would like to contact me, grahame.howard@hotmail.co.uk

Member of the National Association of Christian Ministers

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