This last of a five-part series on identity analyzes an identity in Christ. This identity answers the three fundamental questions: who is my God (spiritual dimension), who is my neighbor (social) and who am I (psychologic dimension). God is the trinitarian God proclaimed and embodied in Jesus Christ. Our primary duties and obligations lie in the first two questions through the two greatest commandments … love of God and love of neighbor. These loving relationships then answer the question of who I am with the answer that I am a child of God and an apprentice or disciple of Jesus.
An identity in Christ best answers our five clarifying questions.
1. How much is it based on truth? Jesus stated that he was truth. God’s holy word is both internally consistent and externally validated through various truths and historical facts.
2. How unifying is it? The ethic of love transcends any ethnic, racial, or gender lines. This identity is open to any who put faith in, trust in, and follow Jesus. Ultimately, there will still be a division between those who follow Jesus and those who follow their own self-invented identity and desires.
3. How competitive is it or willing to harm basic goods? The ethic of love along with the definition of love (willing and taking actions to promote another’s good) means that it is antithetical to be in Christ and intentionally harm another’s good. Jesus challenges us to not only love our friends and family but also our enemies.
4. How meaningful is it? And #5, How permanent is it? Since this identity will be an eternal one that cannot be taken away by anyone, it is then very permanent. Also, the eternal nature of this identity means that its meaning will impact not just 70 or 80 years of a life, but forever. This meaning will be manifested in the treasures we store up in heaven from our faithfulness to God and our good works.
References
Practicing the Way by John Mark Comer
Renovation of the Heart by Dallas Willard
The Treasure Principle by Randy Alcorn
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