Identity in Christ Verses Your Body

God wants your identity to be in who you are in Christ, not to be in how your body looks or what others think about your body.

The image to the right is a photo of a full page ad that appeared in our local Charlotte paper. The company’s advertisement suggests that you can be “A New You” by having a procedure done to reshape your neck or to trim some fat from your waist area.

Do you believe that?

That’s what Satan and the world want you to believe. If who you are – your identity – is wrapped up into the appearance of your body, then you might want to believe that you can indeed become a “new you” by having a facelift or a tummy tuck. This kind of mentality is what has driven so many people towards eating disorders and other unhealthy behaviors. They receive the false message that they don’t measure up in their appearance, which leads to a false self image or identity, which leads to low self worth.

The same could be said if you identity or image is wrapped up in your possessions, your performance or your position at work. You’ll be chasing after more things, acclamations and prestige.

You Creator wants you to know and believe otherwise. God wants you to embrace your true identity in Christ.

If you’ve accepted Jesus into your heart, scripture reminds us that you are a new creation –

“Therefore, if any one is in Christ, he is a new creation;the old has passed away, behold, the new has come.” 2 Corinthians 5:17

You are one of God’s kids. (John 1:12) You are loved by God. (John 3:16) You are a member of Christ’s body. (1 Corinthians 12:27) You can not be separated from the love of God. (Romans 8:35-39) You are one of God’s saints. (Ephesians 1:1) You are complete in Christ. (Colossians 2:10) You are God’s workmanship! (Ephesians 2:10)

If you haven’t already done so, will you embrace these truths in your mind and deep in your heart?

When your identity is truly in Christ, it won’t be in your body. Your body will not define who you are. Who you are in Christ will define you. Before you accepted Christ, you may well have defined yourself by other measures. Now, the only measure that counts is what God says about you – who you are in Christ. When you really get this, then you won’t be chasing after the latest and best surgery to alter your body – the body God gave you and has called you to live through to serve in His Kingdom.

Help put these body sculpting, “Be a New You” medical practices out of service by embracing your true worth, your identity in Christ!