Who I Am

This weekend, I took advantage of our state’s tax free shopping. The parking lots were full, the stores were beyond crowded, and the lines at the register were crazy long. It looked like Christmas Eve, but I couldn’t resist the sales along with not being taxed. Our new budget has me living as frugally as possible.

After dumping an array of clothing on the counter for my growing 10-year-old daughter, the store clerk went through the usual routine of ringing up the merchandise. I swiped my handy debit card, put in my PIN, and waited for the transaction to be processed. My left eyebrow arched when I noticed her calling the manager of the store over.

“Excuse me, ma’am, but the computer has indicated that your account has been locked. I am sorry, but I have to confiscate your card.”

My face flushed. I felt dead weight in my gut. It wasn’t from shame of not having enough money in my account, I knew I did. That morning I had verified funds online and had even used my card at another store just minutes ago. Worries of fraud flooded my thoughts. My bank was closed and the next day was Sunday, so I had plenty of time to contemplate my identity being stolen.

By Monday morning, I had come to terms with my identity…

I am a saint.
I am redeemed.
I am a child of God.
I am a friend of Jesus.
I am free from condemnation.
I am seated in heavenly places.
I am the salt and light of the earth.
I am a member of the body of Christ.

My identity is in Christ. Can that really be stolen? I think not! If we are His children, we are sealed by the Holy Spirit. Nothing can separate us from His love.

For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels,
nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39

As for my debit card, I soon discovered it had a faulty chip in it which caused the whole mix-up. Things did not appear the way they seemed to be.

So often, there are circumstances, voices, and doubts that cloud our being able to understand who we are in Christ. That does not change the truth though. When we fully grasp our identity as believers, our thoughts, words, and actions begin to line up. Appropriate that which was wrought for you at Calvary. Remember, this position is not attained by any effort of your own, but by the love, mercy, and kindness of Jesus and His redemptive work at the cross and through His resurrection. It is yours. Walk in it.