Day 3: New Creation

"By identity I mean an evolving nexus where all the forces that constitute my life converge in the mystery of self: my genetic makeup, the nature of the man and woman who gave me life, the culture in which I was raised, people who have sustained me and people who have done me harm, the good and ill I have done to others, and to myself, the experience of love and suffering–and much, much more. In the midst of that complex field, identity is a moving intersection of the inner and outer forces that make me who I am, converging in the irreducible mystery of being human." -Parker J. Palmer

He's so right…mostly…but, only to a point. Philosophically, our identity includes essential properties and incidental properties. As we go through life and experience people, our incidental properties can move the nuance of “self” all over the place. But, it takes major events or a long time to budge our essential core. Surely, an encounter with The God of the Universe should change things considerably?

2 Cor 5:17: So then, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; what is old has passed away—look, what is new has come! 18 And all these things are from God who reconciled us to himself through Christ (NET)

The most significant influence on a believer's identity isn't genetic makeup, upbringing, or the many groups that make up their social identity. At the moment a person places their faith in Jesus Christ, the name of the game changes. The core of your identity gets reset. Galatians 6:15 says,

“…the only thing that matters is a new creation!” (NET)

When you first answer Christ's call and enter into the care of the Good Shepherd, all your past becomes the “incidentals” on your new identity. Past or future actions (regardless of how shameful) can't compromise your position in the flock. Sure, a sheep who gets out of line should expect some discipline. The Shepherd knows the sheep will get dirty, but He knows that the dirt is only on the surface of the fleece. Even if you wander into a mud pit, the Shepherd looks through the dirty exterior, sees one of His beloved sheep… and calls you by name. Jesus provides eternal life...and is faithful to provide full, abundant life (John 10:10). The Holy Spirit has permanently sealed the legal paperwork, while the Father holds you in the palm of His hand.

Eph 1:13: And when you heard the word of truth (the gospel of your salvation)—when you believed in Christ—you were marked with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit (NET)

John 10:29: My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. (NET)

The perfect unity within the Trinity means that all three, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are all acting to secure those who are His. No longer does one wander about aimlessly, precariously, fearfully. Life in His flock is abundant life...available for all who believe.

What is preventing you from enjoying abundant life?

Does the dirt on your outer fleece make you any less a sheep?

Have you labeled yourself lately? You know, torn off a piece of masking tape, scribbled something in ink, and slapped it on your forehead for all to see? Maybe you're more the type to print a fresh sheet of sticky labels, line them up carefully, only to cover today's label with another one next week. We label our kids' water bottles with personalized stretchy bands, which can be moved from one bottle to the next when needed. Have you ever been surprised to see in the mirror faint reflections of the labels scribbled long ago with “permanent markers”? What labels do you carry? Do they reflect your true identity, or simply the impressions of someone else’s expectations?

Life In His Presence

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