I remember Alice peering over the large mushroom as she looked at the caterpillar smoking his hookah. Upon introduction, he asked the simple question, “who are you?” Now for most, that would solicit a simple response even in the world of “make-believe”. But since Alice had entered Wonderland, she was not sure how to answer. In light of her new experience in this twisted new adventure, she was not sure who she was. The commotion of the journey made her question her own identity. She became unable to answer the simple question, “who R U?”
As followers of Christ, we too can find ourselves in our own spiritual identity crisis. God has clearly transformed our life and infused our existence with His Holy Spirit. He has given us His scripture to guide us and continually pours out His love and forgiveness. He has gifted us with redemption and eternal life. And yet, many still think that our identity in Christ is based upon our works, our accomplishments, our efforts, and the opinions of others or your worldly status. We tend to wrestle with how to answer the question “who are you?” Even in the faith community, we often long more for approval than identity in the suffering of Christ.
Paul was less concerned with how his life measured up to the status quo and more concerned about how His life reflected the character of Christ.
Henri Nouwen experienced a taste of this joy as written in Parting Words when he wrote, “Prayer, then, is listening to that voice—to the One who calls you beloved. It is to constantly go back to the truth of who you are and claim it for ourselves. I’m not what I do. I’m not what people say about me. I’m not what I have. Although there is noting wrong with success, there is nothing wrong with popularity, there is nothing wrong with being powerful, finally my spiritual identity is not rooted in the world, the things the world gives me. My life is rooted in my spiritual identity. Whatever we do, we have to go back regularly to that place of core identity.”
Like Alice in Wonderland, the commotion of our journey can cause us to question our own identity. But today, rest in the reminder that not matter what twists and turns your life may be taking, if you are a follower of Jesus Christ, you can rest in the grace and redemption that He has given you. Understanding who we are in Christ will change the way we Live-out the Gospel. The more we agree with God about our identity in Christ, the more our behavior will reflect your God given identity.
So, be reminded who you are today and live it out!
Good thoughts! I am working on this right now : )
Posted by: Jennifer | February 17, 2011 at 01:59 PM