Theological Commentary: Click Here
Discipleship Focus: Identity
- Identity: Our true identity comes from the Father. Only when our identity comes from God can we be obedient in ways that satisfy our person to our core.
One of my favorite parts of scripture is Paul’s writing in this
section. No, I’m not actually talking
about his advice on sex and marriage. I
actually think those words are difficult to hear and even more difficult to
apply in our world. Especially in the
western world, we live in a culture where human sexuality pervades so much our
life and culture that it’s hard to even get away from its influence.
What I’m talking about is the closing section of this
chapter. Paul tells us that wherever we
find ourselves in this world that we should focus on being faithful to
God. If we are a slave, be a godly slave
to the best of our ability! If we’re
free, then be free to the best of our ability!
If married, then be the godliest spouse possible. If single, then be the godliest single person
possible.
In a sense, Paul is telling us to let our identity from God
influence the rest of our life rather than the other way around. My godliness should be the core of my
identity. My desire to embrace the
characteristics of God should influence the rest of who I am. My relationship with God should not be
influenced by my life; my life should influence be influenced by my
relationship with God!
In other words, my identity should come from God. If my identity comes from God, then I can be
faithful in every way. If my identity
comes from God, then where I am in life matters a whole lot less. If my identity comes from God, then I can be
godly in whatever circumstance I find myself.
I know. That’s easier said
than done.
<><
No comments:
Post a Comment