“But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ.”
+Philippians 3:7-8
The Gospel and Personal Identity
This year, countless fads have come and gone. YouTube videos of people showcasing what they have materially and what they can do with their talents have gone viral on different social media platforms. People boast of collecting different kinds of designer shoes, make-up, cars, iPhones as well as their accomplishments and relationships. A common sight, one must wonder why they do this? The answer is they identify themselves with what they have and what they do. These are the sources of their self-esteem. What is the result? Identity crisis.
Identity Crisis
People suffering from identity crisis is not something new. Much research has been done and self-help books have been written to solve this phenomenon. Sadly, Christians are not spared from this predicament. Many Christians are anxious and worried these days because they look everywhere but the cross for confidence and self-worth. In Proverbs, we find clear truth regarding our identity in Christ. The foolish find worth in self. The wise find worth in Christ. Furthermore, Christ secures a concrete self-identity unmoved by cultural trends.
Identity in Christ
What does the book of Proverbs say about our identity in Christ? Here are some truths from the book of wisdom.
- Be Humble (Prov. 16:8).
The Bible is filled with seemingly paradoxical statements. Here is one: Being humble and relying on Christ makes you confident. From a worldly perspective, humility is weakness. Relying on self is strength. But in the Bible, the more you see yourself as nothing apart from Christ, the more loved and valued you feel. We must go back to the cross with a humble heart.
- Never stop learning from God’s Word (Prov. 2:6).
When we talk about identity, we talk about purpose. A person who does not know his purpose in life is worse than a beggar. How do we learn the purpose of our salvation? We need to constantly be in God’s Word. Also, you can listen to Christian music that affirms your identity in Christ. You can stop watching TV series and movies that shake your faith in what God’s Word says. And finally, you can deactivate social media to keep yourself from envying what others have.
- Don’t count on material things for self-worth (Prov. 13:7).
This probably is the most radical statement in this post: Live a frugal lifestyle. Being frugal does not mean that you deprive yourself from having money and nice things. Rather, it means that you use your wealth and influence to serve others. Christ modelled and commands this (John 15:12-14).
- Be diligent for God’s glory and center your career on Christ (Prov. 6:6-11, 18:9).
God puts believers in different sectors of society so that the Gospel will reach everyone everywhere. But because of our sinful hearts, we look to our career accomplishments to define who we are. Christians must pursue excellence in whatever career God has put them in so that when they IDENTIFY themselves as Christians, the world will see and glorify God (Matt. 5:16).
- Anchor yourself in Christ (Prov. 14:8, 16:17, 4:23).
Guard your steps. Make sure you always check where your identity and confidence are anchored in. Anchor your identity and self-worth in Christ. Let us continue to renew our minds brothers and sisters (Rom. 12:1-2). Do not let Christ’s steadfast love and faithfulness escape you. Bind them around your neck. Write them on the tablet of your heart. This will bring favor and success in the sight of God and man (Prov. 3:3-4). Anchor yourself in Christ who died to make you a child of God.
Reflection Question:
How do you identify yourself to others-a student, a parent, a pastor? Are you trusting in Christ for your identity or something else? What is holding you back? Christ is your identity, not status or stuff. Anchor yourself in Him.
Bethel Bumanglag is an international student from the Philippines at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY. She is studying to be a biblical counselor to return and train believers in her home country. She is the only daughter of two faithful local church planters and CRU missionaries. She wants to help struggling Christians to experience and rediscover the glory of their God. Her ultimate prayer in life is to win the Philippines for Christ.
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