Introduction
Many believers are living defeated lives, not knowing who they’re in Christ Jesus. These believers proclaim to know Christ; however, the kind of suffering they undergo does not show the presence of God in them. The moment you receive Christ, it’s no longer you living by your own. Apostle Paul speaks about it here: “I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20)
Understanding Identity
Let’s define some key terms here, such as identity and find. I want us to have a grounding in what these mean as we continue building up. The word identity stems from the root “to auto” (τὸ αὐτό), which literally means “the same”, the quality of being identical to oneself over time. The Greek word for find is Heurískō (εὑρίσκω), which means to discover, “to come upon,” or “to find after searching.”
Now Christ says in this verse, “You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” (Matthew 5:48). What this scripture means is that you have to be identical to your Father in heaven. This is a requirement for every believer out there. You can see the phrase “MUST,” meaning it’s a command that you should be becoming like Christ every day. I am also reminded of a time when Christ says, “I and the Father are one” (John 10:30). We’ve defined identity as being the same. Many scholars and other religions have argued over this statement Christ made. However, some things can only be explained by God himself.
We’re a new creation!
Paul introduces us to this scripture: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” (2 Corinthians 5:17) This means the old man no longer lives in you. This is what Christ accomplished on the cross. He says, “He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.” (Colossians 2:15). Therefore, we’re no longer to live in fear but by faith in Jesus Christ.
Protect Your Identity!
The enemy always seeks to take our identity from Christ. This verse proves it. The Apostle Peter says, “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8.) This is an everyday battle. You must protect your identity at all times. The Bible says, “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:12)
What steals our identity
In the modern life we’re in, some of the things that also fight our identity and the place of God in our lives are as follows: we have distractions such as social media, i.e., excessive use of it. This means chasing likes and views, which shifts your worth from who you are in Christ to how others perceive you online. Material possessions that suggest your value comes from what you own rather than who owns you (remember the rich man who was told to sell all of his properties but found it hard). Finding your purpose and security in career achievements. Embracing constant entertainment such that you have no time for the word of God and prayer. We also have the self-help industry where they preach to you that you can find your identity entirely within yourself rather than anchoring your identity in Jesus.
Conclusion
According to Ephesians 2:22, you have become a dwelling place for God by the Spirit. This aligns with “For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God” (Romans 8:14). Therefore, you’re expected to live like Christ because it’s no longer you living but God in you.