Can Christians forget their identity? Is this even possible?
I have heard so many people refer to Christians in this way... “If that is to be a Christian, I don’t want to be a Christian.” With “that” they refer to acts of hatred committed by alleged Christians.
And you know what?
I don’t blame them. I don’t, because for a while, I struggled with that very perception too.
There may be various issues here. One issue is those who think that being a Christian is to adopt a religion or a moral set of values. Another one is those who loved what Christ did, and received His message with joy and open arms... but in the walk of life, they forgot Christ.
So the issue we are talking today is that, when we forget Christ, we forget our sense of identity. And in doing so, we fail to portray the very pure love we had received.
I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20)
13 “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet. 14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 5:13-16)
If the main thing is to keep the main thing as the main thing, then, let’s not forget our first love! Do not forget Jesus. When we do, we lost track of who we are in Jesus... we lose our “seasoning.” Our identity in Christ should point back to Him.
Here is this passage in Revelation 2:1-5:
“1 (…) ‘These things says He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands: 2 ‘I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; 3and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary. 4 Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. [Emphasis done] 5 Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent.”
To forget about our first love is a serious thing, something that cannot be taken lightly.
I love this illustration in Acts 3:1-8, in particular to what Peter said to this lame man looking at his eyes expecting something:
“1 One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer—at three in the afternoon. 2 Now a man who was lame from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. 3 When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money.4Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, ‘Look at us!’ 5 So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them. 6 Then Peter said, ‘Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you.In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.’7Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. 8He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God.”
Needless to say is that that miracle occurred not because of Peter, but because of Jesus. Peter shared in that moment all he had: Jesus. He first had compassion of that man and his real need, and he shared the power of Jesus. Later in that same chapter, Peter starts sharing the message of the Gospel.
The Gospel is about love and redemption... God reconciling the world with Himself.
Avoid getting distracted. Let’s not forget our identity. And to avoid forgetting, let’s keep our eyes in Jesus.
For instance, when I look at the book of John 13:4-8 and also verses 12-17, this is what I see:
“4 so he [Jesus] got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. 5 After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him. [Emphasis done] 6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, ‘Lord, are you going to wash my feet?’ 7 Jesus replied, ‘You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.’ 8 ‘No,’ said Peter, ‘you shall never wash my feet.’ Jesus answered, ‘Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.’ (…) 12 When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. ‘Do you understand what I have done for you?’ he asked them. 13 ‘You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. 15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 16 Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.”
That picture of Jesus, the Lord, getting his towel and washing his disciples’ feet…it just talking to me about service. Every Christian needs to grab a towel and serve—not out of pride but out of love.
Brothers and sisters, to be a Christian is not about being a member or part of a religious crowd and making a bunch of noise out of self-righteousness. It is about following Christ and pointing back at Him, so that people may see Father when they see us.
Let us understand that being the Church and being disciples of Jesus is not just about clicking “Like” or “Follow” in a Facebook page or Twitter. Are you getting to know Jesus every day, or you just simply like Him as you like a Facebook page?
Here’s the good news... Jesus is not crucified in some church, nor He is confined to any building; He is out there. Let’s get out there and share hope, love and the message of redemption that we have been given.
Let’s be the salt of the earth, the light of the world. Let’s grab a towel , love others and serve.