This Sunday, I will be teaching at The Springs and our focus for the day is one of our core beliefs - Identity in Christ. My primary text is Galatians 3:23-29. For the one or two of you that actually take a look at this blog, I'd really appreciate your thoughts and feedback. I feel like I'm digging for gold inside the vault at Fort Knox this week. There is so much wrapped up in these seven verses. Take a look at the passage and chew on it a little bit.
Here are some of the questions that I'm hoping you will help me with:
1. Where was the most significant place you received identity input when you were growing up?
2. How has that changed today?
That's it for now, but I'll post more tomorrow...
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4 comments:
I love this chapter in Galations... full of passion! As far as receiving my identity, I would like to give a real 'churchy' answer and say that it was when I invited Christ into my life at the age of 5. But digging a little deeper, I would have to say that I received my first 'identity' after enduring a tragic loss of a loved one. For the first time, I had to consciously choose (over and over) to take on Christ for myself-emotionally, physically, etc. The alternative was to take the identity of loss and confusion and pain... Not that I didn't have those responses, but I tried to choose not to be identified by them as the weeks, months and years have passed. The loss has marked me forever, but Christ has 'clothed' me with His grace so that He might grow me and stretch me and continually remind me that I must choose His identity as my own.
Sarah's answer is far deeper and more meaningful than mine will be, but here goes....
1. My parents were probably my biggest influence, although, my grandmother's faith had a larger impact on my spiritual development~she guided me, very early on, toward my eventual understanding of my identity in Christ.
2. Due to many circumstances and events (good and bad), I am constantly in a state of flux, identity-wise (my identity in Christ is constant, my understanding of it, not so much). I feel like I'm repeatedly on the show, "What Not to Wear," being re-fitted for new garments....and in the end, getting new garments is a great thing! Who doesn't like new clothes? (It's the trying on of the bathing suit or jeans that can be painful, but after much digging, time and effort, you find a pair that makes you feel confident and great!)
The Message translation passage sums it up, for me: I now have "an adult faith wardrobe" through Christ. That's WAY better than the Garanimals wardrobe from my very-near past!
E.
Oh I like E's answer much better! I tend to get a bit wordy and philosophical late at night... maybe I should remember that for future posts!
good thoughts from both of you!
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