Day 17- Identity
Author: Abbie Davis
“Who are you?”
Our identity– such a simple word filled with endless years of discovery about a Man, and His name is Jesus and He is the One we, as believers, identify with.
I remember my life when I had no clue who I was and no context of what identity even meant. That was until the moment I gave my life to a Man who knew exactly who I was. He never had doubt nor insecurity like I did. It was a beautiful moment; His perspective transformed me and I began choosing to believe that I was who He said I was. I grabbed hold of Truth that I was made in His likeness and I was created to mirror an uncreated God. (Genesis 1:26, 2 Corinthians 3:18) What a joy, honor and gift to reflect Perfection Himself!
Nevertheless, over the years I continuously reach for this Truth. The core root of everything that I do is found in who I am identifying myself with in every passing moment. I realized that there is a serious war waging and a choice to be made– Will we choose our flesh [our sinful nature] which leads to death or the Spirit of God inside us who leads us to life and peace (Read Romans 8:6 and Galatians 5:17)? So, who are you identifying with? What are you choosing to believe? I have asked myself these questions, and now I am challenging you to ask yourselves. To know the Truth of these questions is to accept an invitation into deep fellowship and friendship with Jesus. To identify with Jesus we must submit ourselves to Him daily and receive grace as we become more like Him. It’s a process, but the reward of being like Him far outweighs the pain and pruning we will endure. Take a moment and read Romans 6. It's a gift of truth and instruction.
Identifying with Jesus means we live a life that is crucified with Him, buried with Him, resurrected with Him, seated with Him and reigning with Him. Jesus went through the process of submitting Himself and it’s the most beautiful imagery of what the costly joy of being friends with us looks like. Jesus didn’t stay on the cross, nor should we. Jesus didn’t stay dead, nor should we. Jesus not only resurrected, but He is right now seated and reigning in Heavenly places. We are invited into this way of living (Read Ephesians 2:6 and Revelations 5:10).
He wants us to receive what is rightfully ours as sons and daughters. May this encourage you this year to fight for your birthright— to be like Christ. I believe once we see Him for who He is, we will be able to see who we truly are. Take heed and don’t miss everything that has freely been made available to us through the redemptive blood of Jesus. Remember this: true identity is found through friendship with Jesus, fully man and fully God. This is our everlasting identity and He is an everlasting friend.
Prayer
Holy Spirit, would you show me what it looks like to identify with Jesus and would you help me to endure the process of being sanctified in Truth, for Your Word is Truth (John 17:17). May I no longer tolerate lies from the enemy of who I used to be. I am a new creation in Christ Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:17). I want to receive my birthright as Your daughter/son, so give me a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him (Ephesians 1:17). In Jesus’ precious and beautiful name, AMEN!