One of the critical questions you need to be able to answer in life is who you are. Of course, if you do not know your identity, you cannot answer such a question. There are dangers in not knowing your identity, but before I tell you some of those dangers, you need to understand the importance of identity.
Identity, as defined by Merriam-Webster dictionary, is “the distinguishing character or personality of an individual” (n. d). Thus, when your identity is known, you have no hidden place. Identity is so important that in the world of Information Technology (IT), there is what is called Personal Identifiable Information (PII). PIIs are considered sensitive and should be protected. They are data that could reveal who you are, and once the information is exposed, you can be single out easily. Hence the need to guide your PII confidentially because it is what differentiates you from someone else. If you must protect your PII carefully and confidentially, how much more is your identity in Christ Jesus? It is impossible to guide your identity carefully and fervently when you do not know your identity.
1 Peter 2:9 “…you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” These should be your daily self-declaration because that is who you are:
- You are a chosen generation.
- You are a royal priesthood.
- You are a holy nation.
- You are special to God.
In addition, you are an ambassador for Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20), you are a friend of Jesus (John 15:15), you are the salt of the earth, and you are the light of the world (Matthew 5:13-14).
Why should you do self-affirmation with this? It is simple, God’s covenant is transgenerational, so you must understand that your identity would affect posterity. God made a covenant with Abraham – the covenant did not end with him. Despite all turning away from the Lord that Israelites did, whenever they turn back to God, God is always ready to deliver them from their enemies. Your posterity shall be a precious treasure to God, and they shall also be God’s kingdom of priests and a holy nation (Exodus 19:5-6). Do not allow unbelief and disobedience to deprive you of the blessings and covenant of God. What then is the danger of not knowing your identity?
You must know your identity. Otherwise, your life would have no meaning; you have no hope in Christ; your existence makes no sense without a proper understanding of who you are, and the journey of life goes in survival mode. When you do not know your identity, it is easy to misbehave, forgetting that you are a royal priesthood, quick to be carried away, and disobedience becomes easy forgetting, you are peculiar to God. You must understand that disobedience brings God’s judgment. Your disobedience would make many, including posterity to sin against God (Romans 5:19). The good news is you have been set free from sin and made righteous through Christ Jesus. Understand your identity in Christ Jesus, stay connected, committed, and remain in obedience to enjoy the benefits that come with being an ambassador of Jesus Christ.
Bibliography
Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Identity. In Merriam-Webster.com dictionary. Retrieved July 14, 2020, from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/identity.
Unless otherwise indicated, all Scriptures quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New King James Version, NKJV, © 1982, by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission.
© Solomon Oluwabiyi, July 17, 2021
Website: https://solomonoluwabiyi.com
Email: viewpoint@solomonoluwabiyi.com
