…you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. (1 Peter 2:9)
If I were to ask you to identify members of the PGA or LPGA Tours based on their picture and then give a word that identifies them, I suspect you’d name the person and identify them as a professional golfer. I met Julie Inkster earlier this year, and when I introduced her to my wife, I said, “She’s a member of the LPGA Hall of Fame!”
We identify people, typically, by what they do for a living or by what they do recreationally. How would someone introduce you? He’s the Club President. She’s an incredible golfer. They are the Couples Champions of our club.
What would it say about you if you were introduced, not associated with your profession or accomplishments, but by Who you belong to?
This is Robert. He’s the most faithful Christian I know. This is Deborah. She has had the most spiritual influence in my life.
The Bible teaches what the identity is of those who belong to Christ:
In 1 Peter 2, Peter distinguishes between those who reject Christ and the followers of Christ. According to v.9, we are chosen. We are a royal priesthood, servants of the King. A holy nation means we are a set apart people, distinctly different from this world.
We are a people for his own possession in that we were bought with a price, paid by Jesus Himself. Lastly, we have been called out of darkness into his marvelous light. We no longer dwell in spiritual darkness.
Through Christ, we are children of God…But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. (John 1:12-13)
Adopted into His family…you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” (Romans 8:15)
Adopted through the work of Christ…In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ. Ephesians 1:4-5
Our identity, based on the Bible, is Christ. Let’s put it this way: For those who are truly born again, Jesus isn’t a part of my life; Jesus IS their life. We should never be identified as believers in Christ just on Sunday but wherever and whenever we go.
If we are faithful to the Word of God, to discipleship, and to growing spiritually, it should never surprise anyone when we are identified in Christ.
Don’t forget who you are during a bad round, a difficult conversation with your neighbor, or a teaching moment with an employee. And don’t forget to proclaim the excellencies of Him who has given you your new identity.
“…if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”
(2 Corinthians 5:17).
There’s nothing wrong with being known for your skills and abilities, but make it a priority to reflect who you truly are and your true identity.
Prayer: Lord, I strive to live my life so that I can reflect that I belong to you. Forgive me when I don’t, and strengthen me to live as Christ.
Amen