Identity in Christ

Photo CR: James J. Fire

The most treacherous water you will have to swim through is not the valley of darkness because it is to be expected. You know it is there and at some point, it will come for you. Sad to say, the most treacherous waters we must LEARN to swim through are the rivers of lights that will throw stones at you. Stones of

• Jealousy
• Envy
• Slander
• Gossip
• Dissension
• Factions (2 Corinthians 12:20; Galatians 5:19-21)

As I have said many times in the past, your greatest threat are people inside the church. Those who will attempt to take away your voice and your identity. 

It is funny though. Because when it has taken many of us a tireless journey up a steep mountain to overcome so many challenges in our lives, which often include identity crisis – figuring out who we are and what God has called us to be. And then, on your way to the top of your mountain – the battles you have to overcome to be delivered and set free. God drops a bombshell on you by revealing to you a revelation about yourself that turns your world upside down and then right side up, many times over. He reveals to you who you are in His eyes. His apostle. His prophet. His shepherd (pastor). A Bible teacher. An evangelist. Or whatever He calls you to be (Jeremiah 1:5). 

For many of us, especially when we look back down the mountain you just climbed, to only realize you have only made it halfway up. And now God drops this news on you. Now, you have to finish your journey to the top of this mountain with this new identity heavy on your mind. Resulting in you spiraling into another identity crisis as you contemplate your new identity in Christ. But you keep climbing to the top because you have come too far to turn around now. 

By the time you reach the top, God has built you up with so much confidence that you not only accept your new identity, but you receive and embrace it. 

You are now at the top of your mountain climb, celebrating that you 

1. Overcome all your trails and strongholds
2. You made it to the top
3. And for the first time in your life, you know who you were created to be. You have a voice – a new identity in Christ.

Only to discover once you reached the top, that your victory dance will be short-lived. For a new warfare is already brewing. For members within the church now takes issue with your conversion. The same issues as the church took with the conversion of the apostle Paul. Very few are celebrating your triumph, embracing your new identity in Christ. (Compare to Luke 15:10). Instead, these ones throw stones of 

• Jealousy
• Envy
• Slander
• Gossip
• Dissension
• Factions

​These stones come in at such a high speed that often time, you do not have time to react. The only thing that spares your life is the shield of wall that God has placed around you to protect you from the barrage of stones from those who should be providing you covering, a shield, and protection. These same ones will never call you out by your name and say you do not belong to Christ because they see Christ in you! But they will be the first to pick up a stone and hurl it at you from among the crowd. 

Despite this difficulty, what gives you the confidence you need is the next words you hear from the LORD. As the LORD stands there, shielding you from the onslaught of stones, He says

“See cross there though the valley,” as He points to the northern direction where you stand from the top of your mountain. “See that mountain across the way? Head there and you will find My presence waiting for you.”

One victory only leads to the next victory

One victory will eventually lead you through more trouble waters you must swim through to reach the next victory. And once you reach the top of the next mountain and look back. You will discover not only how much territory you have gained. But also the validation, the anointing, the authority, and the power that resides within you through this new discovered, new identity, you have gained through Christ. You have discovered your voice. 

Yes, it is true. Some will abuse such a privileged position, anointing, authority, power, and title. But YOU, you not only found your identity in Christ – you carry it with integrity. You carry it in an honorable way in which it deserves. Therefore, the LORD knows your name. (Compare to Isaiah 43:1; Jeremiah 1:5; John 10:3).  For that reason, you should not carry the tools and gifts or title He has blessed you with in shame. Nor should you allow anyone to attempt to take away what the Lord has given you – blessed you with – that is your voice and a new identity in Christ. 

If he calls you his lieutenant. Wear it with confidence. If he calls you his prophet. Then wear it with honor. If he calls you his apostle. Then carry it with respect. If he calls you his Bible teacher. Then uphold it with uprightness. If he calls you his general. Then display the character with the reverence that such a position requires. Whatever God calls you and how He positions you in the Body of Christ, wear it with honor and let no man strip you of your stripes – that is your voice and identity in Christ. For you have earned it. You climbed that mountain. You swarm  through those troubled waters. You endure the trials and tribulations within that valley for His name sake. You willingly underwent a complete transformation to earn your strips and therefore, you should not only embrace your new identity in Christ, but wear it with conviction. Because you are his apostle! His prophet! His Bible teacher! His shepherd (pastor)! His evangelist! His servant!