Tag Archives: Identity

Unshakable

 

Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire. Hebrews 12:28-29

What do you see when you look in the mirror? An athlete, a thinker, an artist, a writer, a provider? Mother, father, son, daughter? You have been created with certain attributes that make you unique. But they aren’t all that you are. What do you see when your strength is gone, when your creative thinking is impaired or memory lost?  When relationships are severed by hurts or by death?

 

When we lived in Australia years ago, we became friends with a lady who lived down the street from us. I forget the reason but we stayed a night at her father’s house which offered a peaceful retreat for us. Margaret’s dad was known for his intellectual acuity.  As I recall, he had taught in the university and spoke five languages fluently. . . until he had a stroke. Now he was left without speech and physically impaired. Whether he still comprehended all those languages in his mind and just couldn’t express them, I don’t know. But he was obviously a changed man with a new identity. But despite the losses, there was something about him that was not stirred. His calm, peaceful, and welcoming nature remained unshaken. Imagine losing so much and retaining what really mattered.

 

The reality is that you and I live in a world that is easily shaken. Natural disasters, financial calamities, physical and mental illnesses, and relationships all strike quickly and unexpectedly ravish our minds and hearts, our bodies and possessions. Our very identities are shaken too. But we don’t have to be left without hope. If you have sincerely and whole heartedly taken on the identity of a devoted follower of Christ, something remains that circumstances cannot shake. Hope, love, compassion, mercy, faith.

 

A personal relationship with Jesus brings a kingdom and identity that cannot be shaken. Our peace of mind can be threatened but not overcome if our identity is truly in Jesus, and not the other things we typically see in the mirror.  No matter how frightening the storm around you bellows, no matter how devastating the disaster falls upon you, no matter what has been stripped away or is consumed in your life, focus on what remains: Faith, Hope, Love.

 

You belong to an unshakable kingdom. Put your whole trust in this one unshakable truth and find peace in the middle of whatever storms come your way.

A new name

Periodically, God gave his people new names. For example he renamed Abram, Abraham. Likewise, he gave the new name of Sarah to Abraham’s wife, Sarai. Jacob became Israel. Jesus renamed Simon to be Peter or Cephas, “the rock.” Why did God change their names? It seems that usually it was accompanied with a new identity for that person. It could be that you were named for a purpose, that your name represents the deeper hopes and aspirations your parents had for you at the time of your birth.

Take a moment to reflect on how you have grown in your relationship with God over the years and to consider the years you have remaining. Do you sense God calling you in a new direction or to the same path with greater devotion? What ‘new name’ do you sense God might bestow upon you to represent your remaining years on this earth, or at least the next chapter of your life? Might it be Faithful One, Steadfast Warrior, or The Man/Woman of Prayer? Might it be simply, yet magnificently, Child of God, The One Who Sees, Patience, or Student of the Word? Perhaps Counselor, Teacher, Peacemaker, Persevering One, or Light of the World. (The truth is Jesus called all his followers to be the light of the world.)

As you reflect on your life accomplishments and the character for which you are known, perhaps it is time to take on a new name. I’m not suggesting you go to the courthouse and fill out new identity papers. But consider the name (the character) that God is calling you to be. It may not be to DO more things, but it likely will have to do much with who you are called to BE. This ‘name’ has great meaning. If it is given to you by God, your new ‘name’ will define who you are called to be in Christ. It may be the new name you are given in heaven.

“…rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”
Luke 10:20b