Sunday, February 27, 2011

Our Secure Identity

Identity theft, in today’s world, is all too common. Usually due to greed, someone takes the good name of another and uses it for selfish, materialistic desires. For the victim, getting your name cleared can be time consuming and expensive.

A person’s identity consists of a lot of different aspects, including our titles. When a woman marries she becomes known as “Mrs.”, not “Miss”. Her last name will oftentimes change, too. When we have children and become a parent our identity changes again. We are now so-and-so’s mom or dad. And yet a third aspect can be found in our career; our vocation is a big part of who we are.

Depending upon our life choices, along with circumstances beyond our control, we can have many different titles. Our titles will even change throughout our lives, affecting who we are for better or for worse.

For instance, maybe you have recently retired or lost your job. For decades you defined yourself by your career. It was part of who you were; part of your identity. Or maybe you’ve suffered through an unwanted divorce, or become suddenly widowed. Or maybe you have not obeyed the laws of the land and now your identity is your last name and a number.

If we have a title taken from us (especially if we didn’t want it taken), it can leave us feeling jolted and displaced. It can be a painful, constant reminder of our loss. If we aren’t careful, we can focus on our loss to the extent that it consumes our every thought and hinders us from living in the moment.

During those times when we are unexpectedly reminded of our loss, we need to take comfort in, and concentrate on, the one identity that we have that can never change. If we have accepted Christ as our personal savior, no one can take away our identity as a Christian—a child of God. No matter what title society wants to place upon us or strip from us, we are still God’s precious son or daughter. As born again believers we know who we are in Christ. As God’s child, we have inherited His promises; and one of those promises is: He will never leave us. Unlike our spouse, God will never divorce us or die. Unlike our boss, He will never lay us off or let us go. Our identity with God is secure.

“Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name, the name you gave me, so that they may be one as we are one” (John 17:11).

Forever His,
Connie

1 comment:

Caroline said...

You do these kinds of posts so well. Love the encouragement and words of strengthening you give. Thanks much.

cb
http://sunnebnkwrtr.blogspot.com/

 
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