My Identity in Christ
Working through the Raw Emotions vs. a Biblical Perspective and trying to research about the breast cancer and how to fight it, I came across 1 Peter 5:10.
But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. 1 Peter 5:10
I am keenly aware that this battle, as with most battles we encounter in our lives, is not just physical but also emotional and spiritual.
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Ephesians 6:12
In order to become the victor, one must strive to be whole in body, mind, and spirit. I began wondering, “How can I work on becoming whole emotionally, physically, and mentally?”
And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Thessalonians 5:23
Body
This is our physical flesh. Our bodies are complex beings, intricately woven with physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects. To be completely whole, each aspect of a person must in order. When any part of our being is unwell, the other parts are adversely affected.
The body is only part of who we are. This is the part that allows us the ability to hear, see, smell, taste, and touch.
We love to hear the sound of a baby laughing. We enjoy watching the beautiful sunset. We enjoy the smell of freshly brewed coffee or the fresh, clean air after the rain. We love tasting different foods. We know the joy we feel through the warmth of a hug.
Our bodies grow, mature, decay, and eventually return to the dust we were made of (Genesis 3:19). Our bodies are not meant to last. Each of us has a birth date and an expiration date.
I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. Psalm 139:14
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10
Medicines today focus on the care of a person’s body. Physical health is important so that we can function and do the things God wants us to do in service for Him. Being physically active, eating well, and getting enough sleep are some of the things that are important in keeping our bodies healthy.
Emotional (Mind)
Webster dictionary defines Emotions as “our conscious mental reaction subjectively experienced as strong feeling usually directed toward an object and typically accompanied by physiological and behavioral changes in the body”.
Humans are capable of expressing a variety of emotions, even on a daily basis. We are often overwhelmed by all we have to do. We can experience feelings of anger, anxiety, bitterness, fear, frustration, guilt, and sadness from the burdens we face in daily life.
God wants us to be emotionally healthy. He wants us to experience peace, love, and joy no matter what circumstances we are facing.
It’s important to carefully guard and care for our emotions (minds).
Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 1 Peter 1:13
How do we guard our minds against the foolishness of this world?
For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; 2 Corinthians 10:3-5
A nutritionist will tell you that it’s important to eat healthy foods, not junk food or toxic foods. The same goes for our minds. The Bible instructs us to fill our minds with good things.
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Philippians 4:8
The word “heart” is mentioned 830 times in the Bible, but it refers to one’s thought life, emotions, and wellsprings of life. This is what motivates and molds us. That is what the Bible refers to as the heart.
Why is your mind so important? Because your entire life is controlled by your thought life.
Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. Proverbs 4:23
For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Proverbs 23:7a
How do I guard my mind and heart? By filling your mind with God’s Word.
Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. Psalm 119:11
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Philippians 4:8
Spiritual
The spirit is the part of you that connects with God. God is a Spirit, and those who worship Him must do so in spirit and in truth (John 4:24)
How does one become or stay spiritually healthy?
Each of us has a spirit, a soul, and a physical body. It’s impossible to be completely healthy by focusing on just one aspect of our being.
If any one part of our being is injured or not well, the rest of our being will most likely suffer as a result.
If our spirit is weak in energy, our mental state is likely to suffer. Likewise, our physical health will suffer when we choose to walk in the flesh and make hasty, unwise decisions.
We might not be able to control how our bodies feel, but we can always control our thoughts and actions.
Having a spiritually healthy life is having an active, regular relationship with our Heavenly Father.
It’s not just about:
- Believing in God
One can believe that God exists but not put their trust in Him.
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. Ephesians 2:8-9
We must believe that Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again the third day (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). We must trust that God has our best interests at heart and loves us unconditionally.
- Reading and Studying the Bible
Meditating on God’s Word helps us to stay focused on God rather than our concerns and expectations. Through the Bible, God speaks to us and directs our lives.
Journaling prayers, thoughts, questions, and desires help us to not only pay attention to God’s still small voice, but it also good for our overall health. It has been proven to reduce stress, improve our immune function, sharpen our memory, boost our mood, and help regulate emotional health.
- Praying and Meditating
We are invigorated by spending time in God’s presence, whether with or without words. Being able to communicate with God through prayer is both a blessing and a privilege.
Prayer is mentioned all throughout the Bible. Jesus knew the importance of prayer and taught His disciples how to pray (Matthew 6:9-15).
God wants to answer our prayers. Oftentimes, our prayers are not seemingly answered as quickly as we would like them to be, but that doesn’t mean that He is not working on the answer. If we are patient and faithful, we will eventually see our prayers answered.
Prayer enables us to commune with God (Hebrews 4:16), overcome temptations (Matthew 26:41), gain wisdom (James 1:5), and change our perspectives (Psalm 73:17). Prayer allows us to draw closer to God.
- Fellowshipping with other believers
Being part of a Christian community prepares us to serve and care for others. Our spiritual life is strengthened by fellowship with other believers.
And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. Hebrews 10:24-25
We require the understanding that comes from God’s Word being preached and taught, as well as the love and friendship that comes from fellowship with other Christians. God also wants us to serve Him, and a church can help us do this. When we get involved in the community, we can also look for opportunities to share our faith.
Isolating ourselves from others has a profound effect on our minds and bodies. Humans were created to be social. Having an active social like will boost your mental and physical well being.
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321019#Social-motivation-and-brain-power
- Giving Praise to God
Scripture teaches us that we should give praise, worship, and give thanks to God. It also teaches that we are to be thankful in all circumstances.
Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; Ephesians 5:19-20
Thou art my God, and I will praise thee: thou art my God, I will exalt thee. O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. Psalm 118:28-29
In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Having a healthy spiritual life is about setting aside time to have a personal relationship with God, as well as spending time getting quiet and allowing Him speak to you.
When our relationship with God is right, we have peace in our hearts knowing that God is in control; we have the trust and confidence to allow God to direct our paths; and our perspectives will be focused on heavenly things.
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Matthew 6:33
A strong spiritual life is necessary for living a happy, well-balanced life. It’s crucial for both establishing your spiritual walk and aligning your perspectives with God.
My Identity in Christ
The world encourages us to look within ourselves to discover who we are, while our natural tendency is to look at external things to figure out who we are. We cannot find our identity in our job, career, relationships, likes, dislikes, appearances, etc.
Comparing ourselves among ourselves causes much conflict and self-doubt and is not wise (2 Corinthians 10:12). This in turn causes us to feel broken, unwanted, and unloved.
Did you realize that the one’s we compare ourselves to are broken and damaged as well?
Essentially, we play a game of hide and seek, looking for our identity and worth everywhere except the one place that may win us the game. Our very own Creator. Our true identity is found in Christ alone.
It’s crucial not just to know who you are, but also to act like you do. When was the last time you saw yourself in the mirror as God’s special, chosen child? When was the last time you made a decision knowing you were freed by God’s grace and love?
If you proclaim, “My identity is in Christ alone,” the first thing that should come to mind when you consider who you are is that you are someone who is genuinely and truly loved by the Lord. When we discover our true identity in God, we may rest securely knowing that we were made in His image (Genesis 1:27), that we are His heirs (Romans 8:17), that we are His chosen people (1 Peter 2:9), that we are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14), and that we are loved beyond measure (Ephesians 3:16-21).
What a blessing and a comfort it is to know who we are in Christ!!
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