When someone excuses a behavior or habit or tendency by stating, “It’s just who I am”, it may be indicative of a lack of willingness to change. However, is it truly who they are, or simply a reflection of mannerisms they have allowed to develop? Does not for such to have developed imply there is the potential for developing better habits or tendencies? Excusing one’s actions by stating, “It’s just who I am” is similar to expressing, “I’m only human.” However, let us duly acknowledge that is not the full identity of our life. The reality is we are human beings, but we were also created spiritual beings to share the likeness of our Creator. (Genesis 1:26-27) Therefore, what we need to desire is to be what we were intended to be; ourselves, but with a revealing of the Divine connection!
Someone has said, “Dying to self isn’t about losing identity. It’s about losing the version of you that was never God’s design.” (original source unknown)
Being called into discipleship with Jesus includes denying ourselves, taking up our cross daily, and following Him. (Luke 9:23) It is that self-denial which opens us up to the spiritual transformation the Lord brings into our life as we follow Him. It is the movement from self-centeredness to Christ-centered living which elevates our life into the higher purposes of God’s intended will for our life. Though we remain a distinct individual with our own personality and mannerisms, our life finds its intended identity as a spiritual child of God.
One of the ways Paul expressed this well about his own life was in his letter to Christians at Galatia in writing. . .
“(20) 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 ESV)
Though there had been a transition of name from Saul to Paul and a dynamic change in the focus of his zeal, was he not still recognizable as Paul? Even as we consider the letters he wrote, it is easy to find characteristics that were his own. It was not the loss of identity, but the finding of the Lord’s intended and more meaningful identity stemming from having been united with Christ.
Paul would note later in the Galatian letter that those who belong to Christ are those who “have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” (Galatians 5:24 ESV) In Christ we have the higher identity we were created to possess as the “old self was crucified with him”. (Romans 6:6) Though we all have qualities and traits that vary, embracing our identity in Christ encourages living for the higher purpose of glorifying our Creator and selflessly serving others. May we remain open to God’s ongoing work of transformation (i.e. 2 Corinthians 3:18) to the version of person He intended!
Have a great day BEING THE TRUE YOU IN CHRIST!
Carl
