Identity Theft
Nearly 60 million Americans were affected by identity theft in 2018. That’s about eighteen percent of all Americans. What would that number be if we measured the percentage of Christians that suffered from spiritual identity theft? My guess is that the number would be significantly higher.
In John 10:10, we’re told that “the thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy”. I believe that our salvation is secure in the nail-scarred hands of Jesus. So what would the thief come to steal from the Christian? I think it’s pretty obvious that his main goal is to steal away our identity in Christ, not of course so that he can use it, but so that we cannot. Without a deep understanding and belief about who we are, what we have, and what we’re about, we’re very susceptible to forgetting who we are and floating through life without much peace or purpose.
In the Disney Pixar film, “Finding Nemo”, one of the main characters, a blue fish named Dory, suffers from memory loss. Because of this, she cannot remember who she is (other than her name) and what she’s supposed to be doing. While lovable, she’s also a very frustrating individual. It isn’t until part two, “Finding Dory”, that she remembers her identity. And it’s when she remembers who she is that she sets off on a spectacular adventure that ultimately ends in joy and fulfillment as she is reunited with the ones that love her most and who never gave up hope, her parents.
I want to challenge you dear brothers and sisters to enter into your part two. If you’ve been living as if you’re just like everyone around you, take back your identity. In Christ, you are a new creation with new purpose and new power. Don’t try to fit in. Jesus says we are salt and light, so be who you are. And if you need a reminder of just who exactly you are, take a look at this “In Christ We Are…” list. This wonderful list was made and given to me by one of our older saintly sisters this past Saturday night. Spend some time over the Thanksgiving holiday meditating on these truths, praying that you’d live them out, and thanking God for our true identities in Christ!
Happy Thanksgiving!
~Pastor Matt
Categories: Evergreen Connection