For good or bad, I am a person keenly aware of the various identities that are common in our modern age. There are certain identities that I balk against - call me a millennial and we may fight - and there are certain identities that deeply resonate with me. I recently discovered the concept of a Highly Sensitive Person, and it was like a light bulb went off. I think a major reason for my interest in this topic is that when I was younger, I felt very lost. I sought my identity in my family, friends, relationships, political beliefs, interests, etc. Those things inevitably became my god. I deeply desired to be rooted in something and walk through life with purpose and confidence, not realizing that the only thing that could satisfy my soul was the Lord.
Maybe some of you can relate to this; I think we all consider our identities at some points in our lives. There are polarizing terms like ‘gender identity’ or ‘identity politics,’ and more comforting and nostalgic identities (fan of your favorite sports team, or son/daughter of an honorable parent or grandparent). This is not to say that various identities are wrong or bad. In fact, they can be good, right, and God-honoring when they have their proper place in our lives.
‘Identity in Christ’ is one of those idioms that is used so often that it can be confused with scripture. While the phrase 'identity in Christ’ is not found anywhere in scripture, that doesn’t mean the concept can’t be inferred from scripture. The phrase ‘in Christ’ is often used, so let’s take a closer look at one of these passages;
6 So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, 7 rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. 8 See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ. 9 For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, 10 and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority. - Colossians 2: 9-10
Here we see Paul beginning to unpack this concept of being ‘in Christ.’ When we have accepted Christ and been indwelled and empowered by His Holy Spirit, this frees us to truly live our lives (in him.) That deep need to feel rooted and to live for purpose, well here it is! Does this mean now that I’m a new creation in Christ (2 Cor 5:17), anyone who was in my life prior to Christ won’t recognize me now? Well, yes and no.
I grew up in a very liberal, progressive environment, so there are many things that I used to believe and even advocate for that I no longer hold as true. Some of my family and friends that I grew up with think I’ve become too conservative, too puritan in my sexual beliefs, and they have probably even have felt judged by me at points. I think some part of that was the growing pains of being a new Christian. I was, “…tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes,” (Ephesians 4:14). I did not have a developed sense of doctrine and my own personal Christian beliefs, and I’m sure I did hurtful things in the name of Christ.
But I also think that I truly am a different person. I agreed to submit my life to Christ, and that means everything is on the table. Identities that I used to pride myself on and hold dear needed to be examined through the lens of being in Christ. Some of those identities need to drop away, but many of them will be transformed by Christ.
Colossians 2:10 tells us that in Christ we have been brought to fullness. I love that idea - brought to fullness. Talk about filling a soul hole; Christ doesn’t just give me scraps to nibble, but fills me! That means that those identities that are now seen through the lens of Christ are brought back to their original and true purpose - to glorify God. I can follow my passions and interests without them becoming my god. I can have tattoos, not only as self-expression, but to the glory of God. I can dance to reggaeton, 90s hip hop, or anything else that moves me, not only because I enjoy it, but because my Heavenly Father is pleased to see my joy. I can read the news and form opinions about politics because God gave us minds of reason, intellect, and discernment, while still knowing that Jesus is my King and he’s on the throne no matter who is in office.
I hope this doesn’t come across as though I’ve arrived and I never fall into the trap of confusing my secondary or tertiary identities for gods. That happens. That certainly happens. When that happens, I take it to the Lord, repent, and remember the priorities that drive my identity.
God (I get to be a daughter to the Father, a follower of my Lord, and in Christ through the Spirit)
Trey (I get to be a spicy, emotional, supportive, and flawed wife)
Titus and Timmy (I get to be an encouraging, fun, sometimes flighty, often frustrated Mama)
Everything else
Best and blessings,
Emily Ruth Perry | Director of Community Life
emilyruth@veritasfayetteville.com