News & Views
Ness Wilson - Identity in Christ
written by Ness Wilson
published on 15th June 2004
Knowing your identity in Christ is a life long journey of understanding that is tested time and again throughout the seasons of life. It is not enough simply to gain revelation of who you are in God at a DNA Residential, then tick the box and assume that the issue is ‘sorted’. As life continues, it is critical that you re-visit the foundational truths and allow fresh revelation to come. The truth of who God is and who you are in God is a treasure trove to be dug into at various times in your life to discover the gems that you need for each life stage.
I have observed a number of critical seasons in life when you need to gain a fresh affirmation of your identity in God.
- Times of transition. These are the times when a structured learning environment is taken away and you are left finding your own way into the next season eg after DNA or after University. These can be uncertain times where life doesn’t feel as safe or secure as it used to. This is exactly when you need to come to God for a deeper knowledge of your identity as a deeply loved child of God, no matter how you feel your life is or is not progressing.
- Times of public recognition. As you have continued in your walk with God it is very likely that God has given you further roles of influence and responsibility. Some of you may be gaining promotion at work and others may be heading up various ministries in church life. This is all good but you can begin to gain more and more identity from the respect and appreciation of others around you. At these times remind yourself that people don’t need to know all that you are doing or have been asked to do.
"The practise of secrecy exists to liberate those who are trapped by a desire "to be seen" to impress others. The practice of secrecy is Jesus’ gift to approval addicts." (J. Ortberg)
- Times of new roles in life. Some of you will be gaining new identities of becoming a husband or wife and perhaps in time, a parent. It can be easy to begin to lean heavily on these new roles to the extent that they start to become your security eg when you are feeling down getting immediate comfort from a partner rather than going to God for help. Allow God to use these new roles to continue showing you more and more of Himself and that you are firstly a deeply loved child of God before anything else that you might have become.
Keep digging and find the treasure that is waiting to be discovered!
