Embracing Your New Identity in Christ

Have you ever made a big purchase that changed your perspective? Maybe it was your first car, a new piece of technology, or even a coveted pair of shoes. Suddenly, you found yourself treating that item with extra care, developing new habits, and seeing the world a little differently.

This shift in perspective is a powerful metaphor for the transformation that occurs when we embrace our new identity in Christ. Just as a child might suddenly become meticulous about caring for their new shoes, we too are called to a radical change in how we view ourselves and the world around us.

The apostle Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, paints a vivid picture of this transformation:

"Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins. You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. By our very nature we were subject to God's anger, just like everyone else.

But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God's grace that you have been saved!) For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus."

This passage highlights a profound truth: through Christ, we have been transformed from spiritual death to life. It's not just a minor adjustment or a slight improvement - it's a complete rebirth. We've gone from being separated from God to being united with Him, from facing His anger to experiencing His love and grace.

Yet, despite this incredible gift, many of us struggle to fully embrace and live out this new identity. We find ourselves clinging to old habits, thought patterns, and ways of living. It's as if we've been given a brand new, waterproof watch, but we're still acting as if it has a cracked screen and can't get wet.

Why do we do this? Often, it's because comfort is the enemy of change. We know what we should do, but because what's best for us isn't easy, we sacrifice what's best to hang on to what is comfortable. It's easier to keep things the way they are, even if they're damaging to us, than to change and establish a new pattern.

The problem isn't identifying the issue - it's having the will to change. It's actually taking the steps to trust God and live as the new creation He has made us to be. So how do we get there?

Paul gives us clear instructions:

"Throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy."

He goes on to provide practical examples: stop lying, control your anger, be generous instead of stealing, use your words for good, be kind and forgiving. Then he sums it up with a powerful statement: "Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children."

At first glance, this command to imitate God might seem impossible. How can we, imperfect humans, imitate perfection? But the key lies in the second part of that statement: "because you are his dear children."

This is where true behavior change begins - with an identity change. We don't choose to put on new life because that's what we do; we put on the identity of a new life because that's who we are. We are God's children, adopted into His family, with His spiritual DNA now a part of us.

Think about how children naturally imitate their parents. They pick up mannerisms, phrases, and behaviors without even trying. In the same way, as we embrace our identity as God's children, imitating Him becomes a natural outflow of who we are, not just something we're striving to do.

This identity shift changes everything. It means we can have peace because our Father is the author of peace. We can have joy because, despite our circumstances, we know our Father is in charge of our future. While others may chase after temporary satisfactions or worldly success, we don't have to - we know who we are and whose we are.

Living out this new identity is a daily choice. It's not a one-time decision, but a continual process of throwing off the old and putting on the new. It requires us to trust God's perspective over our own, to choose His ways even when they're uncomfortable or counter-cultural.

As we do this, we begin to reflect God's character more and more. Like children who grow to resemble their parents not just in appearance but in character, we grow to reflect our heavenly Father's nature. This is true spiritual growth - not just accumulating knowledge or time, but choosing obedience and allowing God's Spirit to transform us from the inside out.

So today, let's choose to embrace our new identity in Christ. Let's remember that we are God's beloved children, created to reflect His character and love to the world. Let's throw off the limitations of our old selves and step into the fullness of who God has made us to be.

In doing so, we'll discover a life that's richer, fuller, and more purposeful than we ever imagined. We'll find that peace, joy, and contentment aren't just distant ideals, but realities that flow from our identity in Christ. And we'll become living testimonies to the transforming power of God's love and grace.