ABUNDANT LIFE: THE IMPORTANCE OF IDENTITY
INTRODUCTION
Our performance in life very much depends on how we see ourselves. People of low self-esteem naturally do not perform well.
Identity is an important key to our performance in life. Amazingly, identity in a person’s sub-conscious (how one views oneself sub-consciously) can affect the person, irrespective of one’s education or training. I.e. a highly educated or well trained person can behave poorly in life as a result of poor identity in the sub-conscious.
One needs to be very careful of people labelling oneself (Mr. so & so….Miss so & so). It may well remain in your sub-conscious and affects your performance in life adversely because one is influenced subconsciously according to that identity.
So, as a rule, refuse to accept names that are negative for you, including nicknames that are unwholesome.
In Colossian 1:21-23, we see three God-given identities for all believers.
[Col 1:21-23]
21 Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behaviour. 22 But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation —
23 if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven…….
IDENTITY 1 – FRIEND and CHILD OF GOD
[Col 1:21]
21 Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behaviour.
[John 1:12]
12 Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God —
The 1st identity is that believers are friends and children of God.
As friends and children of God, we will receive God’s favour in 4 areas (4 P):
1. God’s protection
[Ps 18:30]
30 As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him.
2. God’s provision
[Ps 121:1-2]
1 I lift up my eyes to the hills — where does my help come from? 2 My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.
3. God’s prompting
[Ps 48:14]
14 For this God is our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end.
4. God’s power
[Acts 1:8]
8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
IDENTITY 2 – DISCIPLE OF JESUS
[Col 1:22]
22 But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation —
Believers are reconciled to the Body of Christ. The sacrifice of Jesus allows believers to embark on a journey of sanctification until we get to Heaven. This is achieved through discipleship.
[Source – Ref. 1]
[Matt 28:19,20 NIV]
19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
Our second identity is that we are disciples of Jesus.
When we follow Jesus’ example, we will grow and mature as a Christian.
Also our performance in life will improve with the help of a mentor. Hence the importance of discipleship.
What A Mentor Can Bring To You:
Understanding what you can do and will do.
[Matt 25:20-21 NIV]
20 The man who had received the five talents brought the other five. 'Master,' he said, 'you entrusted me with five talents. See, I have gained five more.'
21 "His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'
Helping you to overcome challenges and difficulties in life
[Jer 1:19]
19 They will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you and will rescue you," declares the LORD.
We should treat challenges & difficulty as friends, not enemies. These include temptations. The test is to overcome them.
[Rom 5:3-4]
3 Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope.
Sufferings can be a blessing when one suffers in one’s witness of the Gospel.
Teaching you to serve God
[1 Peter 2:9]
9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
Discovering true values in life
[Matt 6:20]
20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.
Finishing this journey in God together
[Eccl 4:12]
12 Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
IDENTITY 3 – CITIZEN OF HEAVEN
[Col 1:23]
23 if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven…….
If we continue in our faith, we will become citizens of Heaven, spending eternity with our God.
[Rev 21:2-4 NIV]
2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."
This is the ultimate hope and dream of every believer in Christ. This is the promise that one day we will be delivered from the pain of this fallen world and dwell with God in Heaven.
CONCLUSION
Our performance in life is greatly enhanced by knowing our true identity in Christ.
we are friends and children of God
we are disciples of Jesus
we are citizens of Heaven
In order to live a powerful and victorious Christian life in Christ, We need to constantly remind and affirm ourselves who we are.
Suggested Action
Spend 1 minute each day in front of the mirror to speak to your sub-conscious to remind yourself your true identities in Christ. Take the opportunity to encourage and affirm yourself.
By Pastor PK
Hope London, United Kingdom
References
1. Systematic Theology – Wayne Grudem – Inter-Varsity Press (1994)
“The Full Life Study Bible” New International Version (1992)
Hope London Sunday Sermon – [Col. 1:21-23] – Identify Yourself
Hope London DMM teaching – Abundant Life (III) – Performance (2) - Identity
