Identity Matters

Posted on September 4, 2018 by America's Keswick in Victory Call

“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” –Ephesians 2:10, NLT

The wonderful world of Disney is famous for its ability to draw people into its make-believe realm be it through its theme parks, media releases, or live productions. The story of Anastasia is no exception. This Disney spin-off of a true story centers on a Russian Princess who, as a young child, survives the loss of her family and the overthrow of their rule but suffers amnesia after escaping the siege on her palace home. It takes years for her to finally awaken to who she really is before she can defeat her evil adversary and live out of her true identity as royalty.

This story parallels our story as believers. Realizing and appropriating our identity in Christ is a progressive dawning as we come, not to just intellectually know, but to experientially walk in who we are in Him. As we increasingly allow our “who” to determine our “do” our paradigm shifts. Grasping and striving for identity through achievements, possessions and people gives way to Spirit-led motives, responses and relating as we live out of the fullness of who we are in Christ, who God fashioned us to be and what He has called us to do. Christ’s very life animates, heals, and grows us from the inside-out!

As children of the King and temples of the Holy Spirit, we have constant access to God and his treasure-trove of promises. Our core, basic needs are fully met in Him: needs for love, security, ability, value, purpose, compassion, understanding and so on. We possess intrinsic value: We are not only made in God’s beautiful image, but are bought with Christ’s blood which He willingly and lovingly shed for us!

This relationship unlocks all of God’s promises for you (2 Corinthians 1:20). Although you’ll suffer in this temporal world, your relationship with him now and forever is abiding, secure, and as fulfilling as you allow it to be. He will always be in you and with you to enable you to face anything He allows or to do whatever He calls you to do as you rely on Him to live through you.

Beloved, if walking in your identity in Christ is not your progressive experience, you are being besieged by an enemy whom Christ Himself already defeated on your behalf and forewarned you about: He has come to plunder your joy, your victory, your relationships, your time, your talents, your treasures, and your testimony. This adversary has pervasive and powerful philosophies at his disposal and is in cahoots with your flesh- your entrenched historical patterns and default ways of thinking and doing.

Subsequently, you may be living out of your own resources and flesh as a believer and may not even realize it: You may even appear spiritual or religious. But your story doesn’t need to end there! Like Anastasia in the Disney twist, knowing Whose you are will position you to know who you are so that you can enjoy your royal, privileged position as child of the highest King and heir of His inexhaustible supply of promises, provision and treasures.

Written by Melissa Smith: Melissa Smith is the Women’s ENRICH Counselor at America’s Keswick. She has the privilege and honor of ministering to the Colony men’s wives and girlfriends, the Barbara’s Place women, and community women who God brings to America’s Keswick for help or care. She and Bill, her husband of 20 years, have four grown, wonderful adopted children. Her fervent desire is to point women to Christ and His sufficiency, provision, and promises.

The Daily Bible Reading: Ezekiel 24-27| You can download our 2018 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here

Daily Quote: “The major strategy of Satan is to distort the character of God and the truth of who we are. He can’t change God and he can’t do anything to change our identity and position in Christ. If, however, he can get us to believe a lie, we will live as though our identity in Christ isn’t true.” – Neil T. Anderson

This Week’s Verse to Memorize: Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him. Proverbs 26:12